From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
An international peacebuilding Non Governmental Organization, NGO, Search for Common Ground, (SFCG), working in Benue and Adamawa states, has organized a two-day workshop on “Strengthening Human Rights Monitoring Platforms for Stakeholders in Benue State.
Addressing participants at the event which held in Makurdi the state capital, Project Manager, Joshua Chorbe, said, SFCG also referred to as “Search” is an international peace-building and conflict transformative organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflicts without seeking profit.
He disclosed that search with its headquarters in Washington DC and Brussels with its operations spanning 35 countries, is currently implementing a 24-month project entitled, “United in Security: A Collaborative Approach to Civilian Protection in Nigeria”.
He said the implementation of the project will take place in three local government areas of Benue State; Otukpo, Makurdi and Guma while in Adamawa state, Yola North, Girei and Fufore LGAs will benefit from the project.
Chorbe who also facilitated part of the workshop said, the training was aimed at Strengthening the capacity of selected participants from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the media and the Government to improve coordination and collaboration as well as synergy to address and advocate human rights issues in Benue and Adamawa states.
He noted that conflict is a phenomenon that can be resolved but violence is preventable through mutual respect for each other’s human rights and dignity.
Speaking on building trust between civilians and the security sector, the facilitator stressed that the security sector must practise fairness in addressing issues of conflict and human rights to win the confidence and trust of civilians while civilians must know and maintain the boundaries of their rights.
He also sensitized the participants on conflict sensitivity and human rights reporting, common ground approach as well as human rights monitoring platforms.
The workshop was interactive as it featured group discussions and presentations on different topics. Participants; Gabriel Ordia, Jimmie Adzande and Amos Aar said the event will further strengthen their skills in monitoring, investigation and reporting of human rights issues in the state.