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By Ahmed Liman Kingimi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), today convened a crucial training session aimed at enhancing the capacity of security and government officials to mainstream human rights and humanitarian responses in their operations across Nigeria’s North East region. The event took place at Amada Hotel, Maiduguri, spanning October 16-17.
In his opening address, NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to safeguard the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum-seekers, and returnees affected by insurgency, natural disasters, and other crises. He highlighted that the training is part of the ongoing ‘NHRC/UNHCR 2025 Project,’ which focuses on data collection, documentation, and protection of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
Dr. Ojukwu praised the sustained support from UNHCR since the project’s inception in 2015, noting that their partnership has been instrumental in addressing the protection needs of displaced communities in the most affected LGAs of eleven states including Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, and others.
He stressed that the issues faced by these populations are not mere needs but violations of fundamental human rights, often exacerbated by displacement and conflict.
The training was aims to foster better understanding and collaboration among security agencies, government ministries, and humanitarian actors.
Participants will share vital information, streamline referral pathways, and identify gaps and overlaps in current interventions. This collective approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of responses and ensure that human rights are at the core of humanitarian efforts.
Ojukwu also underscored the importance of early intervention and prompt response to human rights violations, urging all stakeholders to work together to resolve protection issues swiftly. The meeting serves as a platform for learning, coordination, and future collaboration, with plans to hold similar sessions annually.
Expressing gratitude, the NHRC Chief commended the dedicated efforts of humanitarian actors and government agencies in amplifying the voices of displaced populations. He reaffirmed the commitment of the NHRC and UNHCR to continue their partnership toward promoting human rights and delivering humanitarian assistance across Nigeria.
The event marks a significant step toward strengthening the collective response to the complex challenges facing displaced communities in North East Nigeria, fostering a more coordinated, human rights-based approach to protection and humanitarian intervention.
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