NACA, EBOSACA, partners demand more resources to combat rights abuses in Ebonyi

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)) and stakeholders in Ebonyi State have called for increased funding and resources to strengthen efforts aimed at combating human rights abuses, particularly those affecting people living with HIV (PLHIV) and other vulnerable groups.

The call was made at the end of a five-day Gender and Human Rights State Response Team assessment and capacity-building workshop organised by NACA in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA) in Abakaliki.

The programme brought together representatives of government ministries, security agencies, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, development partners, community-based organisations and the media to assess the effectiveness of the state’s human rights response mechanisms and chart a way forward.

Speaking at the close of the workshop, Assistant Chief Programme Officer in NACA’s Community Prevention Department, Mrs. Favour Iyamu-Obi, said the assessment was designed to evaluate the performance of the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team, identify operational gaps and strengthen stakeholders’ capacity to address rights violations.

She noted that participants reviewed existing structures and developed action plans to tackle critical issues such as stigma and discrimination, access to justice, non-discriminatory service delivery, community mobilisation and advocacy.

According to her, adequate resources are required to effectively implement the action plans and ensure that victims of human rights violations receive the protection and support they deserve.

“We have identified key areas that require urgent attention and developed action plans to address them. The success of these interventions will depend largely on the level of support and resources available to institutions and stakeholders responsible for implementation,” she said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of EBOSACA, Prince Chibueze Andrew Iteshi, stressed the need for improved funding of agencies and institutions involved in human rights protection.

He said organisations such as the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Health, security agencies, community groups and the National Human Rights Commission (National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)) require adequate financial support to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Iteshi noted that human rights violations often have far-reaching consequences, including stigma, discrimination, social exclusion and psychological trauma for victims.

He urged both federal and state governments to prioritise budgetary allocations to human rights institutions and programmes to enable them to respond promptly and effectively to reported cases.

“The protection of human rights is a collective responsibility. Institutions saddled with this responsibility must be adequately funded to ensure justice is served and the dignity of affected persons is protected,” he stated.

The workshop also featured extensive discussions on rights-based approaches to law enforcement, legal literacy, access to justice and strategies for reducing stigma against people living with HIV and other vulnerable populations.

Participants emphasised the need for continuous training of law enforcement officers and service providers to ensure that their duties are carried out in line with internationally recognised human rights standards.

Representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ebonyi State, Rev. Dr. Joseph Nwibo described the workshop as timely and impactful, pledging to step down the knowledge gained to church leaders across the state.

He urged religious institutions to play active roles in protecting the rights of people living with HIV and combating stigma within communities.

Similarly, the traditional ruler of Agalegu Ishieke Autonomous Community in Ebonyi Local Government Area, HRH Eze Paul Ogodo Egbe, commended the initiative and pledged the support of traditional institutions in promoting human rights awareness at the grassroots.

He said traditional rulers would continue to sensitise their communities on the importance of respecting the rights of all citizens and reporting cases of abuse to appropriate authorities.

At the end of the workshop, stakeholders resolved to strengthen collaboration, implement the agreed action plans and intensify advocacy for increased government support to human rights institutions as part of broader efforts to curb rights abuses and improve access to justice in Ebonyi State.