In a concerted effort to combat the ongoing violation of migrant rights, the United Nations Human Rights Office in Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Nigeria, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, joined forces with the National Human Rights Commission under the auspices of the PROMIS (Protection of Migrants) project. Together, they organized a two-day capacity training program that took place from September 25 to September 26, 2023. This initiative aimed to empower Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with a human rights-based approach to addressing migration challenges.
The event featured notable representatives from various organizations, and among them, Ms. Adwoa Kufuor Owusu, the UN Human Rights Advisor in Nigeria, delivered a compelling address. Ms. Owusu encouraged all participants to view the training as an opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of migration issues while recommitting themselves to fundamental human rights principles, including dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, which should be upheld for all individuals, regardless of their migration status.
Highlighting the significance of this collaborative endeavor, Mr. Hilary Ogbonna, the Senior Human Rights Advisor of the National Human Rights Commission, spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Commission. He emphasized the pressing need for both governmental bodies and Civil Society Organizations to forge closer partnerships. Such cooperation, he noted, is vital to safeguarding human rights and ensuring the protection of migrants in accordance with national and international human rights standards.
The joint effort of these organizations underscores the imperative to address the challenges facing migrants while upholding their fundamental rights. The training program served as a platform for enhancing knowledge and building solidarity among various stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of a collaborative approach to tackling migrant rights violations both within Nigeria and beyond.
As the issue of migration continues to pose multifaceted challenges globally, this collaborative effort spearheaded by the United Nations and its partners in Nigeria sets a positive example for addressing these complex issues in a rights-based manner. The commitment expressed by all parties involved in this initiative reflects a shared dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrants and underscores the importance of fostering collaboration to achieve meaningful change.
