Officials of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) led a march through the streets of Abuja on Tuesday to promote the respect for human rights and draw attention to the underfunded Human Rights Fund.
The procession, led by NHRC Chairman Dr. Salamatu Suleiman and Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu, began at Eagle Square and concluded at the NHRC headquarters in Maitama. Organized in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program—funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA—the marchers carried placards with messages such as “Human rights are universal rights: Let’s protect them” and “Break the chains of inequality, advance human rights.”
The awareness event marked International Human Rights Day under the theme, “Equality: Reducing Inequalities and Advancing Human Rights.”
Dr. Ojukwu, speaking after the march, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in advancing human rights and called for contributions to the Human Rights Fund. “Protecting human rights is not solely the government’s responsibility. Private individuals and organizations can donate cash, equipment, or other resources. No one has contributed to the fund yet, but addressing issues like displaced persons and out-of-school children requires significant support,” he said.
Dr. Suleiman underscored the need to prioritize education for out-of-school children, highlighting its potential to curb societal vices. She added that human rights advocacy should extend beyond the annual International Human Rights Day, observed on December 10, and be part of daily efforts.
The event capped the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which began on November 25.
