The Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs in Sokoto, Hajiya Hadiza Shagari, has urged residents of the state to jon in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and to protect women’s and girls’ human rights.
Shagari made the call when she led a street rally, as part of 16 Days of Activism against GBV organisd by the ministry in collaboration with NGOs, Civil Society Organisations, students and community groups.
” This is final day of the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against GBV this year, let us unite and stand firm against all forms of abuses, violations and protect vulnerable persons.
“Let us protect the dignity, safety and wellbeing of every woman and girl in all their diversities,” she said.
She stressed that human rights exists to protect everyone from harm and to ensure dignity and inclusion.
The commissioner said that peaceful coexistence and prosperity were dependant on fulfilmet of human rights obligations.
She said that achievements were recorded on the successful enactment of Child Protection, Violation Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) and Rights of Persons with Disabilities law in the state.
Also speaking, the Director of Women in the Ministry, Hajia Hauwa Umar-Jabo, said the sensitisation was part of the active committment of the ministry to educate citizens through engaging female students and community groups.
Umar-Jabo explained that bringing diverse stakeholders together, the ministry sought to reaffirm its commitment to promote equality, justice, and the protection of human rights for all citizens.
She commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other donor agencies for their support in the state and enjoined participants to sustain the awareness beyond 16 days activism.
The Coordinator of State GBV Response Team, Malam Rabi’u Gandi, said the event marked the demonstration of partners’ committment toward ending GBV and anchored global awareness against the menaces.
Meanwhile, in a separate rally, Mrs Rashida Muhammad, the Chairperson of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sokoto state chapter, called for protection of human rights at all levels.
Muhammad, who is also an official of the National Human Rights Commission, said:”steps are needed to close the gaps in human rights protection.
”The only way to advance human rights and social justice is to strengthen partnerships, enhance awareness, and foster collaborative action in the fight against inequality”.
In their separate remarks, Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmad Aliyu on GBV and Human Rights, Mr Yahaya Rara, assured increased government commitment toward protecting human rights.
