CEHRAWS commemorates 2024 Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day

Calls for immediate action against human rights abuses in Abia State

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has joined the global community in commemorating the 2024 Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day.

This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” highlights the urgent need for immediate action to uphold human rights as the cornerstone of a sustainable and equitable future.

CEHRAWS, a member of the Abia Civil Society Network (ACSON), has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in human rights abuses in Abia State.

According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), over 1,200 formal complaints of human rights abuses were received in 2024 alone.

These complaints span a range of violations, including arbitrary detentions, harassment by security forces, and gender-based violence.

The South-East region, including Abia State, has been a hotspot for security operations aimed at curbing unrest.

However, these efforts have often resulted in collateral damage to civil liberties.

Extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and community displacements have been widely reported, with security forces implicated in abuses that contravene international human rights standards.

Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue, with cases of domestic abuse, rape, and other forms of violence against women and girls frequently underreported.

Judicial bottlenecks further compound the problem, with Abia’s judiciary facing a shortage of judges, leading to delays in prosecuting cases and securing justice for survivors.

In light of these troubling realities, CEHRAWS has called for immediate and concerted action to address human rights violations in Abia State and across Nigeria. The organization is urging the government to strengthen the state judiciary by appointing more judges and allocating adequate resources to expedite case resolutions. CEHRAWS also demands that independent investigations be conducted into allegations of extrajudicial killings, harassment, and other abuses by security agencies.

Furthermore, the organization is advocating for the establishment of comprehensive support systems for survivors of gender-based violence, including shelters, legal aid, and trauma counseling. CEHRAWS also emphasizes the need for increased public education on human rights to empower citizens to recognize and report violations.

CEHRAWS has acknowledged the efforts of the Abia State government, led by Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, in addressing human rights issues. The organization commends the recent engagement of state authorities with civil society actors and the implementation of initiatives such as advocacy campaigns against gender-based violence.

However, CEHRAWS emphasizes that much more needs to be done to address the systemic challenges facing Abia State. The organization urges the government to intensify its efforts by implementing systemic reforms and fostering stronger collaborations with civil society organizations.

CEHRAWS also reiterated that the time for action is now. The organization calls on all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the general public, to join forces in promoting and protecting human rights in Abia State and across Nigeria.

“Our rights define our future. The time for action is now,” said Chuka Peter Okoye, Executive Director of CEHRAWS.

For more information, please contact Chuka Peter Okoye, Executive Director, CEHRAWS, Phone: +234-803-552-9865, Email: cehraws@gmail.com.

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