From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin.
The Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), in collaboration with the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Kwara State Chapter, organized a lecture in Ilorin to commemorate the 2024 World Human Rights Day.
The event focused on promoting equality, justice, and dignity in Nigeria.
In her welcome address, Chairperson of the Joint Planning Committee, Mrs. Olowoniyi Bukola, represented by Miss Rotimi Damilola, lauded stakeholders for their commitment to human rights advocacy.
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“This day reinforces global values of dignity, justice, and equality,” she remarked.
Miss Damilola, who is also a Senior Training and Development Officer at MINILS, highlighted the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), stating, “This foundational document has inspired numerous human rights laws and movements, shaping our understanding of dignity, justice, and equality.”
With the theme “Equality: Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights,” the lecture featured discussions by experts on systemic challenges affecting human rights in Nigeria.
CDHR Kwara State Chairman, Comrade Lukman Afolabi, emphasised the adverse effects of societal disparities. “Our collective well-being is undermined by disparities that erode our shared humanity. Human rights are inherent entitlements, not mere privileges,” he noted, urging collective efforts to address these challenges.
He outlined CDHR’s initiatives, including advocacy for implementing laws such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), Child Rights Act, and Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
In his remarks, MINILS Director-General, Comrade Issa Aremu, stressed the link between rights and responsibilities. “Every right comes with a responsibility. Rights are unsustainable without accountability,” he stated. He urged trade unions to uphold discipline in their struggles and ensure that human and trade union rights are pursued within the confines of the law.
Human rights advocate, Prof. Poju Akinyanju, in his keynote address, called for sustained efforts to combat inequality. “The pursuit of human rights and equality is a permanent struggle requiring collective effort,” he said, emphasising advocacy, education, and international collaboration.
Similarly, the Director of Women and Social Protection at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Mrs. Ajiboye Olaide, called for stronger measures to combat sexual harassment and victimization in workplaces. “Sexual harassment is illegal and criminal. It must be curbed to protect women in our society,” she noted.
The event brought together stakeholders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), law enforcement agencies, and human rights organizations, who pledged to strengthen collaboration in addressing human rights challenges.
World Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This year’s lecture served as a rallying call to advance equality, justice, and dignity for all Nigerians.
