Stakeholders have brainstormed on the way forward in safeguarding Human Rights at individual, family and institutional levels to ensure the dignity of humans and appropriate sanction to be meted for violators of Human Rights.

 

The event held at the National Human Rights Office in Awka was in Collaboration between National Human Rights Commission, NHRC and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Agency, ROLAC.

In his speech, the Coordinator of Anambra State Office, National Human Rights Commission, Barrister Obinna Maduforo noted that the dynamics of time has changed beyond men’s domination and revealed that any man found to have assaulted his wife is liable to five years imprisonment according to the law.

 

Barrister Maduforo listed lack of finance, substance abuse, ignorance of the law and family history as responsible for crises at the family level on the part of the men while the use of abusive words, lack of homely skills amongst others as responsible for same issues on the female part, and called for proper sensitization to help to eradicate the issues.

Barrister Chucks Flora from ROLAC, noted that frantic efforts are being made to constantly help decongest prisons and police stations, especially for those with minor offenses and fine related convictions, as legal aid and Nigerian Bar Associations are playing roles to that regard.

 

The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, represented by Mr. Ilo Udechukwu, that of the State Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of the state, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, represented by Mrs Akachukwu Okoli said that the state government is doing its best to ensure the protection of human rights by domesticating human rights laws, and setting up specialized courts to tackle the issues of human rights, especially for women and children.

 

Barrister Chucks Ezekwuzie, who is the Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, in his remarks opined that in every case, there should be fair hearing for parties involved, instead of dispensing hasty Justice on the hearing of only a party.

 

Others who spoke during the event, including Reverend Sister Bernadette Uchendu of Ntasi Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Mrs Amaka Madu of UNIZIK FM, amongst others harped on the need for concerted efforts towards fighting human rights abuses, especially for women and children in the state.