The United Nations (UN) has commended Nigeria’s federal government for signing into law, bills on Anti Torture and Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot 2017.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Amina Mohammed made the commendation today, Saturday, in a statement during a meeting in Abuja, with the officials of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
She said: “these new laws will add values to the protection of human rights in Nigeria.”
She expressed the UN’s determination to support the efforts of the federal
Government to ensure speedy constitution of the Governing Council of the NHRC to enable it discharge its statutory mandate
more efficiently.
The Deputy Secretary-General underlined the importance of the complementary statutory responsibilities of both the Council and the Secretariat of the Commission.
She added that the constitution of the NHRC board was necessary to enhance the operations of the Commission.
This was even as Justice minister told the visiting envoy that there has been tremendous achievements in human rights promotion and protection in the
country.
According to him, the federal government is rejuvenating the Nigerian Prisons and other detention facilities to meet international standards.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah also said that the Commission had scaled up its activities in the training of military personnel on respect for human rights and international humanitarian laws as well as Rules of Engagement.
She said that this was aimed at addressing cases of mass violence and mass atrocities involving armed forces personnel and Boko Haram insurgents.
The Executive Secretary-designate, Tony Ojukwu, emphasized the need for technical support to enable the Commission discharge its numerous responsibilities diligently.
He also solicited for a better Condition of Service for staff to stem the rapid loss of valuable and best hands due
to the poor working condition.[myad]
