Expedite Action On Civilian Harm Mitigation Policy, Rights Commission Tells Government

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the federal government to expedite action to ratify the Draft Policy on Protection of Civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu who made this call during the ongoing Mid-term review meeting of the project on “Protection of Forcibly Displaced Persons through Human Rights Information Data Collection and Documentation in Nigeria,” in Keffi, Nasarawa State, also revealed that the policy aims to protect civilians from harm during security operations and provides a framework for preventing, minimizing, and addressing civilian harm.

The project, which the executive secretary said is supported by the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), seeks to monitor the human rights and protection situation of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) in Nigeria, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees.

The Human Rights Boss noted that the project has recorded notable achievements, including managing 3,096 human rights cases and training 80 security personnel to protect the rights and dignity of FDPs.

Dr Tony Ojukwu, represented by Dr Benedict Agu, the project Coordinator and Head of the Commission’s monitoring department, highlighted the project’s notable achievements and the need for continued support.

The project is being implemented in 11 project states, with selected Community Protection Action Group Members and Human Rights Monitors working in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

All stakeholders recently gathered for a mid-term review meeting in Keffi, Nasarawa State, to discuss challenges they encounter in the field and explore ways to mitigate them.

The Executive Secretary believes that ratifying the Draft Policy on Protection of Civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation will significantly enhance the protection of civilians in conflict situations. He added that the policy’s adoption will strengthen the fight against human rights violations, align with regional and international human rights and humanitarian instruments, and provide a framework for preventing, minimising, and addressing civilian harm.

Participants expressed delight at the opportunity to discuss their challenges and recommend solutions for protecting these vulnerable people.