Connect with us

News

FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations

Published

on

FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for strengthening of collaborations to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu made the call in his message on the Day of Zero Tolerance for the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Ojukwu reminded the citizens, healthcare workers and other duty bearers of the need to strengthen their collaborations to end FGM in Nigeria.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM” and it is observed on the 6th of February every year.

He noted that the Commission has always been at the forefront of eradicating the painful, unhealthy, harmful and degrading practice of FGM right from time.

Ojukwu observed that NHRC in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) had in 2017 produced a training Manual on human rights and other related issues of FGM in Nigeria to stem the tide of this human rights violation in various communities across the federation.

“The Manual provides a general background analysis of women’s human rights and Female Genital Mutilation, which is a type of violence against women and girls. The Manual also provides a guide for reporting FGM in line with the prescribed standard”, the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria added.

In the same vein, the NHRC Boss disclosed that with the support of UNFPA/UNICEF, the Commission undertook a joint programme on elimination of FGM, conducted training for stakeholders on the use of the developed Manual in five programme focal states namely- Imo, Ebonyi, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti and available statistics have indicated positive changes geared towards eliminating, FGM in the country. The use of the manual and training will be replicated in other endemic states in the Country depending on the availability of resources.

“The participants at the training in the aforesaid states were drawn from relevant MDAs, CBOs, FBOs, Media, Security Agents, Traditional Rulers and CSOs/NGOs and at the end of the exercise, thereafter participants prepared independent and shadow reports”, the Executive Secretary stated.

According to the Executive Secretary, apart from the aforementioned effort to eliminate FGM in the country, the Commission with the support of EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in 2019 established the defunct Special Independent Investigation Panel on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

The panel which was headed by the Executive Secretary sat in the six geopolitical zones of the country, successfully heard and determined complaints of SGBV, and provided empowerment for victims including supporting women to acquire skills and engage in various forms of business activities to earn a living and assist their families instead of depending solely on their husbands who may lack the capacity or willingness to cater for their families.

He used the occasion to urge Nigerians to report all cases of FGM and other human rights violations to the Commission who will in turn take appropriate actions to ensure the protection of the rights of the victims in accordance with municipal, regional and international laws.

He urged citizens to leverage the NHRC toll-free line 6472 to report any case FGM and other cases of human rights violations to the Commission.

FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation

Published

on

Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation

By Zagazola Makama

Fifty cows have been stolen by suspected cattle rustlers in Gbugbu, Lafiagi, Kogi State, the Police Command has reported.

Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 1600 hours when two Fulani herders, Hassan and Husseini, both aged 25, were grazing their cattle on the outskirts of Gbugbu. Unknown gunmen attacked the herders and made away with 50 cows.

The report was filed by Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu, 50, and Malam Tijani Ahmed, 62, Secretary of Miyeti Allah, Lafiagi branch.

Following the report, a joint team comprising Army troops, police operatives, Village Guard Network (VGN) and local hunters were mobilized to the scene to comb the surrounding bush for possible recovery of the stolen livestock.

Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation

Continue Reading

News

Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto

Published

on

Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto

By Zagazola Makama

One person has been killed following an armed bandit attack on Garin Idi Village in Sobon Birni District, Sokoto State, the State Police Command has confirmed.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 2140 hours, when a large group of heavily armed bandits launched a sporadic shooting attack on the community.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, promptly responded and engaged the bandits in a gun duel. The attackers were overpowered and fled into the surrounding forest.

During the attack, one Malam Saluhu, aged 60, was shot and killed.

Joint security teams have intensified efforts to track down the bandits, and troops have been alerted to remain vigilant for any movements by the fleeing criminals.
End

Continue Reading

News

Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba

Published

on

Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba

By Zagazola Makama

Over twenty vehicles have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at Malaysia Market, Zuba, near the main motor spare parts area.

Sources said that the incident occurred on December 17 at about 2300 hours. The market, known for scrap vehicles, was engulfed in flames before police patrol teams promptly mobilized to the scene.

Through the combined efforts of security forces and community members, the fire was successfully contained, preventing further escalation. No injuries or loss of life were reported.

The cause of the fire and the estimated value of the destroyed vehicles are yet to be determined as security sources said Investigations are ongoing.

Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights