At the Access to Justice Coordination Forum in Abuja, stakeholders expressed concerns over systemic discrimination, criminalisation, and severe funding shortages that threaten critical HIV interventions.
They emphasised the importance of collaboration, which is to galvanise relevant stakeholders into action to tackle the human rights challenges faced by marginalised groups.
The executive secretary of NHRC Tony Ojukwu (SAN), who praised the idea of Access to Justice Forum, said it is well thought out to bring relevant stakeholders in the human rights and justice sector together to streamline actions and ensure effectiveness in serving vulnerable populations.
He stated that Chapter 4 of the Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights without discrimination based on political, economic, social, ethnic or sexual orientation.
However, he noted that despite progress in combating HIV-related discrimination, affected individuals still face challenges in healthcare, employment, and social settings due to persistent stigma and systemic barriers.
The NHRC boss reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for victims of rights violations related to sexual or gender identity.
He said: “In the next two years, with the support of the Global Fund, the NHRC will implement programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and policy reforms to protect Nigerians from discrimination and criminalisation.”
Oluwafisayo Aransiola Fakayode, representing the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Leopold Zekeng, stressed that justice is a fundamental human right that must be accessible to all, regardless of health status, identity or circumstances.
He noted that HIV/AIDS victims face stigma, discrimination, lack of legal awareness, institutional bias, and economic constraints.
These issues, he said, not only violate basic human rights but also hinder individuals from living healthy and fulfilling lives.
“The right to access justice is multidimensional, it includes justiciability, availability, accessibility, quality legal representation, remedies for victims, and accountability within justice systems,” Fakayode stated.
He described the forum as a beacon of hope, bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, healthcare providers, and legal practitioners—to advocate for justice and equality.
The Director General (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Dr Timitope Ilori, commended NHRC for its leadership in advancing human rights and public health in Nigeria.
The DG described the forum as a significant milestone in efforts to eliminate stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers that hinder access to justice and healthcare.
He emphasised that the collaboration between NACA and NHRC would strengthen legal protections, improve patient rights, and drive advocacy for equitable healthcare policies.
He further stressed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, urging stakeholders to leverage their diverse expertise to create effective strategies that ensure justice and healthcare access for all Nigerians.
