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NHRC ADVOCATES FOR ENHANCED ACCESS TO HOUSING AND SHELTER FOR OLDER PERSONS AT THE 14TH UN-OEWGA IN NEW YORK
NHRC ADVOCATES FOR ENHANCED ACCESS TO HOUSING AND SHELTER FOR OLDER PERSONS AT THE 14TH UN-OEWGA IN NEW YORK
By: Obinna Nwakonye
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has again reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protect and promote the rights of older persons, with a particular focus on accessibility, infrastructure, and habitat, including transport and housing.
This statement was made by the Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN at the 14th session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Representatives from all countries, alongside about 35 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and 70 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from around the globe, participated in this crucial meeting.
The NHRC has recommended taking further steps towards an internationally binding document for the protection of the rights of older persons, urging that this recommendation be forwarded to the UN General Assembly for prompt consideration.
DR. Ojukwu told the gathering that Nigeria has established robust mechanisms for addressing and remedying violations of older persons’ rights.
According to him, Under Section 6 of the its mandate, the NHRC is empowered to handle all matters related to the promotion and protection of human rights, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and various international and regional human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
Specifically, he said subsection 6(j) authorizes the Commission to receive and investigate complaints regarding human rights violations and make necessary determinations.
To support older persons in seeking redress, the Chief Human Rights Officer in Nigeria further told participants at the OEWGA that the NHRC has created a dedicated department for vulnerable groups, which includes older persons. He said the department which is staffed by specially trained personnel, is tasked with receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints from older persons and other vulnerable populations.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria further stated that Nigeria’s judicial system, with courts across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is equipped to hear civil, criminal, and human rights cases, including those related to the rights of older persons.
He said significant progress has been made in gathering data and statistics at the national level on the rights of older persons to accessibility, infrastructure, and habitat. “While the Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS) 2019, conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), included general indicators on accessibility and infrastructure, the National Senior Citizens Centre (established by the National Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2017) is working towards a more focused approach” he revealed.
He stressed the plan to implement a multi-indicator survey specifically for older persons to better address their needs in collaboration with the NBS and National Population Commission.
The Executive Secretary concluded his statement by strongly urging for the immediate commencement of drafting a UN Convention dedicated to the rights of older persons.
“We urge the Open-Ended Working Group to recommend that the General Assembly request the Human Rights Council to act on the recommendations contained in decision 14/1” he stressed.
“These recommendations should be presented to the General Assembly as a matter of urgency. Any further actions must ensure the full, effective, and meaningful participation of older persons, their representative organizations, Civil Society Organizations, and National Human Rights Institutions” he added.
NHRC ADVOCATES FOR ENHANCED ACCESS TO HOUSING AND SHELTER FOR OLDER PERSONS AT THE 14TH UN-OEWGA IN NEW YORK
Troops restore calm after communal clash in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 177 Guards Battalion have restored order following a communal clash in Aso Pada Riverside Community, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources said that at about 9:00 a.m. on March 25, troops deployed at Gurku Patrol Base responded to reports of violence in the community.
On arrival, they discovered that some houses and properties had been set ablaze by youths of Fulani extraction.
Investigations revealed that the incident began when a vigilante from the community shot a Fulani youth with a dane gun over a dispute, claiming the youth’s cow had eaten his mango. Two other Fulani youths were also shot dead, triggering reprisal attacks that led to the deaths of two additional individuals and injuries to five others.
The corpses and injured victims were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention, while the vigilante is currently in police custody. Troops maintained a dominating presence in the area, calming the situation and restoring normalcy.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to convene an expanded meeting with both parties to qfurther investigate the clash and apprehend other perpetrators.
Troops restore calm after communal clash in Nasarawa
Troops conduct offensive, recover arms in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade, Operation FANSAN YANMA in coordination with troops of Sector 2, have carried out an offensive operation to clear a terrorist group from Dutsi village in Moriki District, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said that at about 2:15 p.m. on March 25, troops engaged the terrorists in the village, forcing them to flee.
During exploitation of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The operation was subsequently extended to Gandu village within the same district, where troops engaged fleeing terrorist positions on high ground, compelling them to withdraw.
Troops maintained aggressive posture to deny terrorists freedom of action and continue patrols to ensure the security of communities in the area.
Troops conduct offensive, recover arms in Zamfara
Troops respond irrigation farms destroyed in Rinyan, Riyom LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have responded to the destruction of irrigation farms at Rinyan village in Riyom Local Government Area.
Security sources said that at about 8:30 a.m. on March 25, troops of Sector 6 reacted to a report of the destruction of farms belonging to Mr.
David Samuel Dada and six other farmers. On arrival, troops observed that cabbage and pepper crops had been completely destroyed by unidentified persons.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators, the sources added.
Troops respond irrigation farms destroyed in Rinyan, Riyom LGA, Plateau
Troops restore calm after communal clash in Nasarawa
Troops conduct offensive, recover arms in Zamfara
Troops trail kidnappers, warn locals in Sokoto against complicity
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