The Plateau State Office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with Mission 21 and other civil society partners, on Monday commemorated the 2025 International Human Rights Day with a solidarity walk and a renewed call for the protection of vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
This year’s celebration, themed “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” also marked the 30th anniversary of the NHRC’s establishment in 1995.
The commemorative walk began at Old Airport Junction and ended at Zaramangada Roundabout, where participants carried placards and chanted messages promoting dignity, equality, and justice.
30 Years of Human Rights Advocacy
In her opening address, Plateau State Director of the NHRC, Barr. Kiyenpiya Mafuyai, described the day as historic, noting that the Commission was celebrating three decades of promoting, protecting, and enforcing human rights in Nigeria.
She emphasized that the walk was not a protest but “a march of unity, resolve, and shared commitment to a Nigeria where no one is left behind.”
Mafuyai highlighted the role of partners including WOPPI, ROLAC, Mission 21, WGRDI, WISCORD, Women4Women International, YERVA, Shift Initiative, Grace Gardens, Created for Good Works, and the Plateau Peace Building Agency, describing them as pillars of the Commission’s progress.
She noted that despite insecurity and socio-economic challenges, the Commission remained steadfast in addressing abuses, adding that the Plateau office has already handled over 1,000 cases of human rights violations in 2025 alone.
16 Days of Activism: Expanding Advocacy
Mafuyai recalled that just days earlier, the NHRC flagged off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which includes:
- Stakeholders’ meetings and community dialogues
- Youth sensitization on digital abuse
- A human-rights rally marking the International Human Rights Day
She encouraged the public to “see something, say something, and report it to the NHRC,” assuring that all services are completely free.
Human Rights: A Collective Responsibility
In a goodwill message, the Secretary-General of the NHRC, Dr. Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, reminded citizens that human rights are “inalienable, indivisible and interdependent,” calling for stronger civic engagement to tackle global rights violations.
He emphasized that protecting the most vulnerable and speaking up in the face of injustice are essential duties for all.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
The Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Dafur, described the event as aligning with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration, which she said remains committed to safeguarding the rights of women, children, the elderly, and vulnerable persons.
“No one’s rights should be trampled upon,” she said, urging communities to collaborate with local taskforces to ensure timely reporting and referral of abuse cases.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (GEOC), Barr. Olivia Dazyem, congratulated the NHRC on reaching 30 years, praising its long-standing partnership and impactful work across Plateau State.
Stakeholders Call for Sustained Collaboration
Representatives of partnering institutions—including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Jos Branch, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and other civil society groups—pledged continued support.
- NOA State Director, Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, said the agency remains committed to creating awareness on citizens’ rights and ensuring the public understands their responsibilities.
- NBA representatives assured greater engagement with the NHRC in 2026, noting that human rights must remain a priority for legal institutions.
- FIDA reaffirmed its commitment to combating violations, stressing that “human rights are God-given and not privileges to be begged for.”
Former NHRC coordinators Mrs. Grace Pam and Mrs. Veronica Aba applauded the Plateau office for its consistency, stating that Human Rights Day remains an important annual reminder of the Commission’s mandate.
Addressing Commuters and the Grassroots
During the rally, NHRC officials—including Chief Legal Officer Uko Hukuma Pukuma, and Torro Center Executive Director Suleman Muhammad Sali—engaged commuters in English, Hausa, and local dialects. They addressed issues such as:
- Domestic violence
- Forced and child marriages
- Abandonment
- Harmful cultural practices
- Unlawful detention
- Child molestation
- Female genital mutilation
They reiterated that all NHRC services are free and accessible to every citizen, regardless of financial status or gender.
Building a Future Where Rights Are Protected Daily
Delivering the vote of thanks, Pwaluri Yawa, Assistant Director of Investigations, expressed gratitude to all partners—NBA, FIDA, WOPPI, ROLAC, Mission 21, and Plateau-based CSOs—for their unwavering support.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to strengthening its work across the state.
As the event concluded, stakeholders echoed a collective message:
Human rights must not remain abstract ideals—they must be lived, protected, and defended every day.
🚨To Report Human Rights Abuses
The NHRC Plateau State Office encourages all victims and witnesses of human rights violations to lodge a complaint, stressing that all services are completely free of charge and reports are kept confidential.
Methods for Reporting:
- Walk-in: Visit the NHRC office directly.
- Phone Call: 08107780516 (NHRC Plateau State Office)
- Email: nhrcjos@gmail.com and nhrcjos@yahoo.com
