by Nurat Uthman
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government and key stakeholders to intensify protection and support for refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, noted the urgent need for enhanced measures to safeguard these vulnerable populations, stressing that many are victims of insurgencies, natural disasters, and severe economic conditions.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja on the eve of the World Refugee Day commemoration, Dr. Ojukwu underscored the theme “Our Home,” stressing the fundamental human right to a safe and nurturing environment.
He pointed out that refugees and IDPs are not just statistics but individuals with dreams and aspirations disrupted by circumstances beyond their control.
He called for a concerted effort to resettle these individuals and provide them with the necessary resources to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The NHRC’s call comes against a backdrop of escalating challenges within Nigeria, including communal clashes, banditry, and the relentless onslaught of Boko Haram.
According to him, these conflicts have severely impacted the rights to healthcare, education, and basic human dignity for tens of thousands.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Nigeria currently hosts 71,728 refugees with 27,725 refugee returnees, reflecting the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained intervention.
Dr. Ojukwu reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to advocating for the rights of refugees and implored the government to ensure their safe return to communities, in alignment with international conventions and human rights treaties.
