By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- THE National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC, and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, IDEA, Friday, flagged off the 2024 edition of ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign, from November 25- December 10, 2024 across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, speaking at a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Equality – Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights’, said its “importance serves as a reminder and call to action to reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting the rights of every individual in Nigeria and beyond.”

He further stated that the programme calls for the attention, collaboration and investment of key stakeholders like the media, faith-based organisations, human rights actors, students unions, women associations and security agencies to restrategise in stemming the tide against violence on women.

The event was organised in partnership with RoLAC, funded by the European Union, EU, and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, International IDEA.

Ojukwu said “the International Human Rights Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation in advancing the fundamental rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.

“It also challenges us to confront the gaps and obstacles that continue to hinder the full realization of these rights.

“For this year’s commemoration and as usual, the National Human Rights Commission and its partners have lined up a series of impactful programs and initiatives designed to amplify the voices of the marginalized, promote accountability, and foster a deeper understanding of human rights among all stakeholders.

“These activities are designed to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action toward addressing inequalities and advancing human rights across Nigeria.”

This year’s campaign is particularly crucial in Nigeria, where gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue.

Meanwhile, according to UN Women, nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime, and girls are at particular risk of violence, with one in four adolescent girls being abused by their partners.

The ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ is an annual international campaign that launches on November 25, aiming to amplify advocacy against all forms of violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses, particularly sexual violence against women and girls. It concludes on December 10, observed as International Human Rights Day.

Since 2019, RoLAC has been at the forefront of targeted advocacy, public sensitization, and learning events during the 16 Days of Activism. Collaborating with various government agencies, civil society organizations, media partners, and influencers from the entertainment industry, these initiatives have made a tangible impact, evidenced by the establishment of SGBV courts in the FCT in 2021 and the replication of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the country.