The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has tasked Ministries, Department, Agencies and Civil Society Organisations in the country to integrate human rights into their daily operations.

The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, gave the charge on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, at a town hall meeting organised by the commission for stakeholders.

Ojukwu said that the meeting was aimed at advancing the promotion, protection, and enforcement of human rights in the country, as well as sensitising stakeholders on critical human rights issues.

According to him, as our esteem stakeholders, I extend an urgent call to action. Let us transcend individual endeavours and work collectively as a united force, to integrate human rights into our daily operations.

“Let us act together as agents for rights protection and not as agents for rights violations.

“This mandate entrusted to the NHRC is not merely a legal obligation, it is a more imperative call to action to build a society where dignity, freedom, and justice are the cornerstone of our national life.”

He noted that ignorance of rights and legal procedures, lackadaisical attitudes towards human rights and poverty, created formidable barriers, hindering the access to justice that should be birthright of citizens of the country.

He added that the non-justifiability of chapter two of the Constitution is also a major hurdle that must be overcome, because a great percentage of rights abuse and violations revolve around issues under the chapter.

“This chapter outlines fundamental socio-economic rights, including the right to education, healthcare, housing, and work.

“However these rights are currently not directly enforceable in court, creating a major hurdle for individuals seeking redress for violations.

“The commission can help you realise these rights through its alternative dispute resolution mechanism,” he said.

The secretary urged the stakeholders to work closely to create a future where human rights would be more respected.

Earlier, Dr Salamatu Husseini, Chairperson, Governing Council of the NHRC, noted that the primary responsibility of any government was predicated on security and welfare of the people.

Husseini also noted that chapter two of the same Constitution provided for socio- economic rights.

”These rights include but not limited to the following right to education, right to work, right to housing and right to accessible roads.

“I enjoin this audience to take a critical look at these rights and also survey such topical issues as terrorism and banditry, out of school children, sexual and gender based violence in relation to the role of government and our collective responsibilities.

“Governments must of necessity continually carry out reforms in legal and social frameworks, provide and maintain a level playing ground for a healthy competition, provide public social goods and services, among others,” she said

She added that the stakeholders were indispensable as they serve as the critical link between the people and the government.

“From this stand point, they mobilise citizens and resources for robust policy and developmental dialogues with government like the type that we are having here today,” she said.