The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday outlined its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) plan to commemorate the 2025 International Campaign against GBV.
Announcing the plan at a press conference at the NHRC’s headquarters in Abuja, the executive secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said this year’s observance is significant as it coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the NHRC.
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The statement stated, “Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world and in our country. These 16 days remind us that any form of violence is unacceptable and that every voice, especially the most vulnerable, must be heard, supported, and protected.
“For three decades, the NHRC has remained a steady voice for justice, dignity, and equality in Nigeria. We have worked tirelessly to promote and protect the rights of every person, strengthening accountability, deepening democratic values, and ensuring that human rights remain at the centre of national development. As we celebrate this landmark, we reflect on our journey, our achievements, and the work that still lies ahead.”
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The commission is planning a series of events from 25 November to 10 December to honour the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), violence against women is a global crisis, with 16 per cent of adolescent girls (15–19 years) and between 4–5 per cent of older women (60+) experiencing intimate partner violence. Globally, 8 per cent have experienced sexual violence by someone other than a partner. However, due to stigma and non-disclosure, the number is likely much higher.
This year’s edition of campaign against GBV is titled “United to end digital violence against all women and girls”.
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Started in 1991, the global campaign will conclude on International Human Rights Day (10 December).
Mr Ojukwu stated that this “symbolically links violence against women and human rights and to emphasise that such violence is a violation of human rights.”
The 16 days of activism would also highlight other significant dates, including World AIDS Day (1 December), and the “Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre in 1989, when 14 women students were massacred by a lone gunman opposed to the affirmative action policies promoted by feminists at the University of Montreal” on 6 December.
As the world raises awareness against GBV, Mr Ojukwu noted that Nigeria is not an exception and that the NHRC would continue to stand with survivors, women and girls across the country to demand justice, safety, and equality.
Activities against GBV
Mr Ojukwu said the 16-day activities would be carried out across the country.
According to him, the activities will start on 25 November with a roadshow campaign against GBV kicking off from NHRC’s offices to the offices of the Nigerian First Lady and her counterparts in each state. The first ladies are expected to launch campaign across the country.
The day’s event would conclude with an advocacy visit to the Speakers of the State House of Assemblies across the states.
On 26 November, in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, there would also be a meeting of traditional leaders across the federation to identify and deliberate on issues pertaining to violations of human rights.
This will be followed by a visit to all Chief Judges of states and the Federal High Court on 27 November.
There would be a meeting with women and youths to review cases by victims on 28 November.
From 30 November to 2 December, there would be submission and compilation of reports from engagement with traditional leaders, religious leaders.
There is going to be school outreach on and engagements with religious bodies on 3 December.
A visit to health facilities to assess Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and a conference will be held on 4 December in Abuja.
On 5 December, there would be a media parley with stakeholders such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and civil society organizations at the state level.
An advocacy visit by the commission’s team to state governors and a forum will be held on 8 December.
This would be followed by the dissemination of a communique on 9 December to state authorities.
On 10 December, a nationwide Human Rights Awareness rally across all 36 states and the FCT to commemorate International Human Rights Day will be held.
On 11, 12 and 13 December, there will be the submission of states’ reports and communiques to the Office of the Executive Secretary from all the States and implementation of the final report.
During Friday’s press briefing, Mr Ojukwu urged all Nigerians, including the media to participate in the programmes.
Mr Ojukwu also called on the National Assembly to pass the law creating special constituencies for women to aid more women’s participation in politics and governance.
“Refusal to do this constitutes a violation against women because a refusal to implement Affirmative Action is a violence against women, which should be prohibited,” he said.
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