Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of women and children across the country.
Ojukwu spoke on Thursday at a programme aimed at raising awareness on the rights of children and promoting community participation in safeguarding and protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and other forms of rights violations.
The Sensitization Programme themed: “Empowering Kuje’s Children to Promote and Protect their Rights” was held at the Government Senior Secondary School Pegi community in Kuje, Abuja.
The Executive Secretary, who was represented at the event focused on child rights awareness by Director of Women and Children, Mrs Ngozi Okore said the NHRC places special importance on issues affecting women and children, noting that a dedicated department was established within the Commission to address matters relating to their rights and welfare.
Ojukwu emphasised that violations against women and children are taken seriously because every individual deserves dignity, respect, and protection.
According to Ojukwu, the gathering was not just an event but a strong commitment to defend and protect the lives, rights, and dignity of every child.
The NHRC boss highlighted that children’s rights are recognised under international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
“Every child has the right to survival, protection, dignity, education, and participation in matters affecting them”.
He explained that many children continue to suffer violations of their rights through neglect, violence, child abuse, early marriage, female genital mutilation, child trafficking, and denial of access to education.
He stated that the NHRC’s mandate remains the promotion, protection, and enforcement of human rights across communities, schools, homes, and institutions nationwide.
He further emphasised that protecting children’s rights requires collective action and commended the presence of community leaders, religious leaders, parents, teachers, partners, and students at the programme.
According to the NHRC, when children understand their rights, they are better able to speak up with confidence and demand justice and respect, while parents and teachers become better guides and protectors.
He also called on traditional and religious leaders to continue lending their voices to the protection of children in order to build safer and stronger communities.
Ojukwu pointed out that the lessons from the programme should extend beyond the event and continue in homes, schools, places of worship, and communities.
Addressing the children present, he encouraged them to always remember that their voices matter, saying they have the right to speak, learn, grow, and live in dignity and safety.
Earlier, the principal of the school, Mr. Asemota Kelly said if the school is privileged to have people like this visit the school today, “imagine the great future that awaits our school”.
He added “I want you to pay close attention to everything being said here. Knowledge is important, and today you are being enlightened about your rights and responsibilities.
“Remember, my rights should not override your rights, and your rights should not override mine. We must learn to respect one another so that peace and understanding can prevail in our homes, schools, and communities.
“What you are learning here today will help you understand:The rights of a child, The rights and responsibilities of parents, The rights of students, The rights of teachers and the responsibilities we all share in the community” Kelly added.
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