Human rights ambassadors

On December 10, 2013, the National Human Rights Commission NHRC organised the celebration of the day which had as its theme Advancing Peace and Security Through Human Rights. As activities kicked off, we held a minute’s silence for the departed statesman.The day began with a road show and dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, staff […]

On December 10, 2013, the National Human Rights Commission NHRC organised the celebration of the day which had as its theme Advancing Peace and Security Through Human Rights. As activities kicked off, we held a minute’s silence for the departed statesman.
The day began with a road show and dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, staff of the NHRC and human rights activists participated in an awareness walk from Eagle Square in the three arms zone to Merit House in the central business district, Abuja. Other activities organised to mark the day were a dialogue session and inauguration of Human Rights Ambassadors who were drawn from all walks of life and a notable presence of many Nollywood film stars.
At around 11am,the participants wearing T-shirts with the slogan ‘Know your rights, Live your rights’ trooped into Merit House auditorium after their road show. The dialogue began with welcome remarks by the Chairman of the occasion Senator Dahiru Umaru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters who was introduced as the father of human rights in Nigeria. In his speech, the Chairman reminded the audience about the Vienna Declaration that was adopted twenty years ago which repositioned the promotion of human rights in global arena. He urged all citizens to know their rights as a first step to defending them. In his address, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, said it is good to have a day set aside to reflect on human rights but he emphasized that ‘the birthday of human rights is the day human beings were created.” underscoring the fact that human rights are our God given rights. Professor Odinkalu also told the audience that the National Human Rights Commission is for everybody particularly those who know their rights and believe in and engage in activities for the protection and promotion of the rights of all. He recalled the establishment of the Commission during the military which was not the best time to establish such a body but it has become a reality and the Commission has been in the forefront of the struggle for promoting and entrenching a culture of respect for human rights of all. Professor Odinkalu said the Commission can only achieve its goal if it can elicit the support and commitment of all Nigerians.
The Commission was established by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act, 1995, as amended by the NHRC Act, 2010. The Commission is a fulfilment of the resolution of the United  Nations General Assembly which enjoins all member States to establish national human rights institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights. The Commission serves as an extra-judicial mechanism for the enhancement of the enjoyment of human rights.
In his speech, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Professor Ben Angwe reminded us that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is 65years old. He drew attention to the partnership between the Commission and civil society organisations that have been assisting NHRC to get the message to the grass roots. He commended the stars of the Nollywood film industry in Nigeria for their contribution to the promotion of human rights through their movies, songs, drama and other media activities.

Professor Angwe also commended Next to None a civil society organization that initiated NHRC’s partnership with the celebrities from the film industry.
The Resident UN Coordinator, Dauda Toure presented the speech from the UN Secretary General in which he underscored the importance of the developments that have taken place in the 20 years since the Vienna Declaration and urged all citizens to continue to promote human rights as a smooth and guaranteed path to peace and sustainable development. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, read a statement titled A 20-20 Human Rights Vision. He observed that the Vienna Declaration led to the creation of his office- the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He said since then ‘there have been many advances –indeed more than people realize. The fundamental for the protection and promotion of human rights are largely in place. These include a strong and growing body of international human rights law and standards, as well as institutions to interpret the laws, monitor compliance and apply them to new and emerging human rights issues.’
The leader of the European Delegation to Nigeria and ambassadors representing Canada and Switzerland presented inspiring goodwill messages. A gift was also presented to a young man, Mr. Chika Ugoh, the winner of the slogan competition. The slogan he sent as his entry was ‘Know your rights, Live your Rights’ which was selected among several entries. It was boldly written at the back of the advocacy T- Shirt worn by participants to mark the day.

The keynote address was presented Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke. In the speech, read on his behalf by a Director in the Ministry the Minister said that Nigeria’s commitment to promoting of human rights is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the establishment of the NHRC. He also reminded the audience that the country has fulfilled its pledges to promote human rights and peaceful settlement of disputes as the handling of the Bakassi territorial dispute with neighbouring Cameroun confirms. The Minister identified some of the challenges impeding progress in the promotion of human rights such as poverty, illiteracy, terrorism, cyber crimes and transnational crimes. He expressed government’s appreciation to international partners for their support to the government in its effort to combat terrorist activities in the North East zone of the country.
The presentation of the keynote address was followed by the investiture of the Ambassadors of Human Rights. Among them were a popular Nollywood star, Zack Orji; Zaaki Azzay, a gender focused popular musician and film producer, Barrister Fatima Kwaku, a former UN human rights rapporteur, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde another Nollywood star and activist, Bertram Ubaka, a champion of the rights of the physically challenged and my humble self. We were given certificates of investiture and decorated with a NHRC arm band which we were requested to wear to remind us of our assignment. As NHRC Ambassadors we are expected to use our expertise, network and other resources to promote human rights in our country. In our different ways, we are already doing that but designating us as human rights ambassadors will encourage us to do more.