By George Ozalla
As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Refugee Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has emphasized the need for urgent attention to the plight of refugees and forcibly displaced persons in the country. NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis faced by these individuals, who often flee their homes due to war, conflict, and natural disasters.
Dr. Ojukwu disclosed that displacement and refugee situations leave individuals vulnerable to human rights violations, with limited access to basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, and education. He further stressed that addressing the root causes of displacement, including conflict, violence, and environmental degradation, is crucial to preventing further displacement and promoting durable solutions.
Ojukwu called on the government to prioritize peace building, conflict resolution, and sustainable development initiatives. He also emphasized the importance of a rights-based approach to managing disasters and emergencies, ensuring that government agencies and humanitarian partners address human rights challenges without discrimination.
He highlighted the importance of the recently launched Dashboard on Human Rights and Internal Displacement, a partnership between the NHRC and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The dashboard aims to provide credible information on human rights issues affecting displaced populations.
The NHRC Executive Secretary appealed to stakeholders to redouble their efforts to address the needs of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring their human rights are respected, protected, and promoted. He emphasized the need for durable solutions, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.
Reassuring the Commission’s commitment to promoting and protecting the human rights of refugees and displaced persons, Dr. Ojukwu recognized the resilience and resourcefulness of these individuals and pledged support for their efforts to rebuild their lives.
