Follow Us on Google
From Godwin, Tsa Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for stronger efforts by the government and other stakeholders to protect and support refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons in restoring their lives with dignity.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the call in Abuja to mark the 2024 World Refugee Day.
Ojukwu noted that refugees and other persons living in similar conditions deserve to be protected, given the unpleasant circumstances imposed on them by both human-made and natural occurrences, such as insurgency, natural disasters, harsh economic conditions, and human rights violations.
He stated that the 2024 theme of the celebration, “Solidarity with Refugees”, is a reminder that refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers need adequate protection and support to survive in environments that often expose them to different forms of human rights violations.
In a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Obinna Nwakonye, the commission reaffirmed its steadfastness in advocating for the rights of refugees and called on the government and stakeholders to do more to protect refugees and ensure their safe return to their communities, as enshrined in the Refugee Convention and Human Rights Treaties.
Read also: IDPs: Gov. Alia Applauds MSF for critical healthcare services in state
To this end, the Executive Secretary stressed that it is imperative to celebrate the strength and courage of people forced to flee their homes or countries against their will due to conflicts or persecution. He added that it is necessary to map out solutions to resettle them and help them achieve a better livelihood.
He further stated that Nigeria has its fair share of this population of concern arising from communal clashes, banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and Boko Haram. These have affected their rights to healthcare, education, employment, dignity, housing, land, and property.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Refugee Day is a time to shine a light on the rights and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize the political will and resources to enable them to enjoy a new lease of life.
As of May 2024, UNHCR gave Nigerian statistics figures of 71,728 refugees and 27,725 refugee returnees. This indicates that the Nigerian government needs to focus its attention on the plight of refugees to minimize their numbers.
