REPORT OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATION 2022 BY JDPC BENIN

REPORT OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATION 2022 BY JDPC BENIN

THEME: “DIGNITY, FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL”

ACTIVITY: RALLY

ROUTE: JDPC SECRETARIAT- RINGROAD- SAPELE ROAD- NUJ SECRETARIAT- JDPC SECRETARIAT

DATE: 10^TH DECEMBER, 2022

REPORT OF 2022 INTENATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATION WITH THEME: “DIGNITY, FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL” ON THE 10^TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2022

The international Human Rights Commission has set aside the 10^th of December yearly as a day to mark the international Human Rights Day. The celebration was adopted as an annual event after the resolution of the general assembly of the United Nations on 10^th December 1948 for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

JDPC Benin on the 10^th day of December,2022 joined the rest of the world to celebrate Human Rights Day, 2021, with the global theme “DIGNITY, FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL”.

The day was also set aside to join the UN Women to mark sixteen (16) days of activism, against Gender Based-Violence, create awareness and campaigns on violence against women and girls under the Global Theme: ACTIVISM TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.

JDPC Benin carried out a rally/ sensitization of the public on the needs to know their rights and how to act accordingly when these rights are been violated.

The program commenced with registration of participants at JDPC Secretariat thereafter there was opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu Acting Director. JDPC Benin at 9:35 am when the rally commenced.

Participants were drawn from Parish JDPC’s, CSO as well as Government stakeholders which included the Nigeria Police, Pensioners also known as Senior Citizens of Nigeria, Persons With Disabilities amongst others.

Participant moved from the secretariat to Airport road to ring road where there was a stopover at the Edo State House of Assembly to sensitize the people. Then the walk continued to Sapele Road to NUJ’s office along plaza Road where there was a stopover and participants were addressed by the NUJ Chairman Comrade Osakue. There was distribution of fliers and sensitization on human rights major roads.

STOPOVER AT NUJ SECRETARIAT/PRESS BRIEFING

The celebration took a new turn this year as JDPC Benin Collaborated with National Human Rights Commission to spice the years activities. It also had in attendance key stakeholders who in their numbers participated actively in the rally. Stakeholders present were given opportunity to address all, air their grievances as well as satisfaction with the performance of the Government of the State.

Stakeholders spoke in turns as follows:

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC): The Coordinator National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Olumide Dosumu, read a speech by the National Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission. He urged all to stand up especially in this critical times in the country.
JOINT ASSOCIATION OF PERSONSWITH DISABILITIES (JONAPWD): The state coordinator Ann Ojugo in her speech thanked all for taking the bold step in participating in this really. She thanked JDPC Benin for allowing them joint in the walk despite using their wheel chairs. She further stated the she knows persons around will be watching especially those on wheel chair. She said the time to be left behind has past and thanked the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki for signing into Law the Edo State PWD Law. She said as persons with disabilities they are not disabled but that it isnthe society that have tagged them incompetent. She further appeal tp all to accept them as Children, sisters, brothers mothers and fathers. Molestation and abuse againgst PWD’s should be stopped.
CONFERENCE OF NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION CONGOS Speaking for CONGOS the President Com. Bartholomew Okoudo applauded JDPC for this great move he said CONGOS strongly join her voice to the fight for justice and campaign against injustice. He said we should always encourage people to speak out at all times.
THE NIGERIAN POLICE: Representing the Edo State Commissioner of Police, ……………………..said the police is ever ready to fight every case of violation of human rights. On cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) she reiterated that there is a special units that is ready to handle such cases. Responding to reactions from participants she however cleared the air that cases of SGBV are not for women alone but that they also respoind to cases from men who come out to complain.
REPRESENTATIVE OF EDO STATE PENSIONEERS: Mr. Fredrick Okoloise who spoke for Edo state Pensioners appealed to the press and all present to speak through their media power to speak to the state government to pay them their entitlement . He said so many pensioners have died for lack of funds to carter for their needs especially health. He said some are bed ridden. He appeal to the Government to hear their cry.
JUSTICE DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE CENTRE: The acting Director, JDPC Benin addressed all at NUJ secretariat on the need to end oppression and violation of human rights in the state. He thanked all who honoured the invitation to be part of the year’s celebration with Theme: “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for all”. He said this day is used by JDPC Benin as a platform to advocate for the elimination of injustice ,gender, tribe, religious discrimination, also calling for protection of lives ,properties and peaceful coexistence of every Nigeria. ated further reiterated that police brutality must be tackled as well as Sexual and Gender Based Violence {SGBV}. He called for collaboration and support from the press who are the mouth piece of the people.
Mr. Olumide Dosumu Coordinator National Human Rights Commission also gave his address on behalf of the Commission. He urged all to be steadfast in the quest for justice. He
REPRESENTATIVE OF NIGERIAN UNION OF JOURNALIST NUJ: Reacting on behalf of the NUJ Chairman Comrade Otumba commended JDPC Benin for keeping up with the long standing relationship and passion to fight for justice. He said the NUJ is ever ready to help cascade matters relating to justice. To CSO’s he stated that the collaboration is not negotiable. He thanked participants for the great stride. He further said they are ready and willing to give their support at any time.

Following the speeches by representative of groups there was a session of photograph at the NUJ’s secretariat.

CLOSING

The sensitization walk continued to vegetable market leading participants back to Airport Road and to JDPC Secretariat.

Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu thanked all for their time and patience he urged all to continue in this fight for Human Rights to Make Nigeria a Better place. He thereafter led the closing prayer at 12:45 pm with closing and participants were treated to a light refreshment.

List of Participants

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Conference of Non-Governmental Organisation CONGOS
Department of Health
Nigerian Police
Joint Association of Persons With Disabilities
Keep Hope Alive
Nigerian Union of Pensioners

PARISHES

St. Joseph Catholic Church
St. Augustine Catholic Church
St. Teresa Catholic Church Uwelu
St. Patricks Catholic Church Ugbowo
St. Francis Catholic Church
St. Gabriel the Arch Angel
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church
St. Paul’s Catholic Church
St. John Vianney Catholic Church
St. Valentine Catholic Church

Attached are copies of attendance and Photographs.

Theresa Omionawele

Legal Officer : JDPC Benin

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