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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
Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has cautioned against provoking armed groups in Katsina State after a peace deal was struck between terrorists and residents of Faskari Local Government Area.
The comments come amid recent peace meeting held on Sunday in Faskari between residents, local traditional leaders, and a wanted bandit kingpin, Ado Alero, alongside dozens of armed herders.
Recall that a notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, earlier declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, had reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, in a post on his X handle on Sunday disclosed that Garwa turned up in Hayin Gada community, Faskari Local Government Area, presenting himself as an advocate of dialogue.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Gumi warned that any attempt to attack the armed groups could reignite violence in the state.
“Some people who don’t want peace, will provoke them again by attacking them. It’s very important to educate them that they are used by capitalising on their ignorance and zeal to vengeance,” Gumi wrote.
Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks
Police launch manhunt for man who stabbed woman to death in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Yobe has launched a manhunt for one Bello Manu of Chirawa village in Bade Local Government Area, who allegedly stabbed a woman to death on suspicion of witchcraft.
Sources said that on Sept. 13 at about 1520hrs, the police received a report from one resident of Chirawa village that Manu accused one Aisha Umaru, aged 40, of bewitching his son.
“Based on the suspicion, the suspect used a knife to stab the woman on the chest, inflicting severe injuries.
“The victim was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gashua, where a medical doctor confirmed her dead. After an autopsy, the corpse was released to her parents for burial,”said the sources.
The sources further disclosed that the suspect fled immediately after committing the crime, adding that police operatives had intensified efforts to track him down and ensure he faced justice.
The security sources urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands, and to promptly report suspicions or grievances to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation.
Police launch manhunt for man who stabbed woman to death in Yobe
Bandits ambush NSCDC personnel in katsina, kill one
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits ambushed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) along Yantumaki–Danmusa road on Friday.
The incident occurred at Dafa village at about 5 p.m., leaving one officer, CCA Adamu Abdullah, 37, dead.
Four other NSCDC personnel sustained injuries in the attack. They include DSC Abdullah Usman, 40, ASC Dikko Sabiu, 42, ASC Haruna Bello, 35, and CCA Kabir Dalhatu, 29.
Sources said the victims were attached to Operation Sharan Daji and were on transit when the bandits struck.
On receiving the report, security personnel from Danmusa mobilised patrol teams to the scene. The injured officers were evacuated to General Hospital, Dutsinma, for treatment, while their Hilux vehicle was recovered.
Bandits ambush NSCDC personnel in katsina, kill one
Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks
International Day of Democracy/ ActionAid Nigeria Demands Good Governance
One year after, the killer flood in Maiduguri, a reporter’s diary of survival moves by residents, the medical sector, coordination errors, leading to more challenges beyond the damaged Alau Dam
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