Stephen Enoch
Amnesty International seeks partnership with journalists in Kano to fight against the abuse of fundamental human rights of citizens which are often underreported.
The Board Chairman of Amnesty International, Auwal Rafsanjani called for the partnership in his opening remarks at a media parley with journalists on Friday at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel, Kano.
He said there are certain human rights abuses that have happened in recent times in Nigeria that got poor reportage.
According to him, this necessitated the need for Amnesty International and journalists to synergize and advance the noble goals of human rights and justice in Nigeria.
“Amnesty International intends to partner with the media in adequately documenting, reporting, and exposing violators and abusers of human rights, and to seek redress for victims.
“We aim to underscore the need for journalists and media practitioners to heighten the call for military and security agencies’ accountability, and to ensure that accountability is included in the military framework in Nigeria,” Rafsanjani said.
While delivering his remarks, the country director of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi noted the deterioration of human rights in Nigeria births a situation whereby impunity is increasing and police brutality is on the rise.
Rafsanjani pointed out that as Gender-based violence is increasing, the tough economic situation created by mismanagement has equally deprived millions of Nigerians of access to food, education, and healthcare.
He noted that the recent attack on NLC president Mr. Joe Ajaero by the police in connivance with the Imo state government shows how human rights are being trampled upon by state actors.
“The Nigerian government is unrelenting on its plan to regulate the social media. This time the plan is coming in the form of an amendment of the NBC Act.
“The plan to regulate NGOs strongly opposed by Nigerians is also being brought back again. The civic space is shrinking and the right to peaceful protest is becoming more endangered,” he added.
On 29 November, we are launching a comprehensive human rights agenda for Nigeria.
“Our work is solely aimed at promoting, protecting, and upholding human rights. We have been doing this through research which is our key strength.
“Because journalism itself is founded on the promotion of freedom and justice, we believe closer and better collaboration with the media and journalists is crucial for our work to succeed.”
