By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained its staff as human rights defenders and advocates to strengthen efforts to prevent and respond to elder abuse in Nigeria.
The training, held at the Commission’s headquarters, focused on equipping personnel with the knowledge and practical skills required to identify, document, investigate and advocate against abuse of older persons.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, described the training as timely and necessary, particularly as Nigeria’s ageing population continues to grow.
Ojukwu, whose opening remarks were delivered by the Deputy Director, Vulnerable Groups Department, Mrs Jennifer Agah, said increased life expectancy resulting from improvements in healthcare had also brought attention to challenges facing older persons.
He identified physical, psychological and financial abuse, neglect and harmful traditional practices among the concerns requiring greater attention.
According to him, older persons are rights-holders entitled to dignity, equality and full protection under the law, while the Commission has a mandate to promote, protect and enforce the rights of all persons without discrimination.
“Many older persons continue to suffer in silence, often invisible within our communities and systems,” Ojukwu said.
He explained that the training was designed to give staff the tools to recognise cases of elder abuse, properly document and investigate them, and advocate for stronger protection of older persons within national, regional and international human rights frameworks.
Ojukwu also said the programme would strengthen the capacity of NHRC personnel to engage government institutions, civil society organisations and communities on issues affecting older persons.
He urged the participants to actively engage with the training and apply the knowledge gained in their various areas of responsibility.
The Executive Secretary said the training was being conducted in batches as part of the Commission’s effort to ensure inclusive capacity development among its personnel.
Participants described the training as timely and relevant to their work, saying the knowledge gained would improve their ability to identify, document and respond to cases involving vulnerable older persons.
They also pledged to apply the lessons from the programme to strengthen the protection of older persons in Nigeria.
