Catholic Bishops urge Nigerians to stop human rights violations

By Matthew Denis

In a bid to enhance civil responsibility and respect for humanity, the Misereor Dialogue and Partnership Service (DPS) in Nigeria, a German Catholic Bishops Conference Organisation for Development Cooperation has called on the federal government and citizens to be united in protecting their fundamental human rights to engender unity and national development.

The appeal was made in Abuja at the formal launch of ‘Improving Human Rights Promotion in Nigeria -A Reader for Practitioners’ books in two volumes of 74 and 100 pages respectively produced by the Misereor DPS in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi, said it is a noble cause to pursue the cause of justice and uphold human rights.

Also, Executive Secretary, Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, represented by Joseph Nkamuke, said that civil society organisations in Nigeria play a crucial role in advocating human rights and promoting social justice in the country.

He noted that Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including issues related to freedom of expression, press freedom and gender equality; to name a few.

On her part, the Head of Misereor DPS in Nigeria, Ms Julia Krojer, said that the publications were practical guides for persons and groups engaged in human rights activism in Nigeria.

Also,Consultant Project Advisor to Misereoer Dialogue and Partnership Service, Nigeria,  Mr. Cosmas OLANIYAN, stressed that the Organization has played a key role in the country to curb the activities of human rights violations.

He stressed the need for the institutions to be more proactive in enforcing the law against human rights violations in the country to eliminate such unwholesome activities completely as they’re becoming rampant in the country.