The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recorded 169,850 complaints of human rights violations in January.
The executive secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, made this known in Abuja on Friday at the presentation of the monthly dashboard report.
The dashboard is a monthly analysis and graphical presentation of the human rights situation in Nigeria, while the observatory monitors, reports, and analyses human rights violations.
He said the dashboard is not merely a data collection tool but “a call to action and a powerful tool for advocacy.”
”In January, we received 169,850 complaints from our 38 offices, a stark reminder that human rights violations persist in diverse forms and at an alarming scale.
” Each of these complaints represents a person, a family, or a community seeking justice, accountability, and relief,” he said.
He noted that the complaints and the observatory showed that the human rights ecosystem continues to be challenged.
Mr Ojukwu said that in the North-East, the resurgence of Boko Haram and in the North-West banditry and insurgency continued to challenge communities.
” Violence and criminalities in the South-East are assuming alarming dimensions impacting on human rights. Our efforts have led to significant interventions; the persistence of these violations raises critical questions.
”Are our systems strong enough to prevent recurring abuses? Are we bridging the gaps between violations and meaningful remedies? What is our policy for the protection of civilians and mitigation of harm during conflict?
” As we engage with this month’s trends, let us focus on strengthening preventive measures, closing protection gaps, and enhancing collaboration with state and non-state actors to reinforce
human rights protections at every level,” he said.
He hoped the dashboard would ignite the required change to build the Nigeria of our dreams.
” Over the last three decades, we have witnessed a human rights trajectory which indicates progress even though at a slow pace.
” We must not give up as governments at national and state levels continue to adopt legal, policy and institutional frameworks to achieve human rights for all,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to join and support the commission in protecting and promoting the dignity of every Nigerian.
Mr Ojukwu thanked development partners, his colleagues and the media for promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria.
Hilary Ogbonna, senior human rights adviser to the secretary, who presented a graphic breakdown of the report, said the dashboard started in January 2024 with a record of 1,147 complaints.
He attributed the surge to awareness, education, and economics.
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