Insurgency: NHRC, UNHCR Train Military on Rights Protection
The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) has begun a two-day training exercise for military personnel on civil protection and mainstreaming human rights in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu stated this at the inauguration of the exercise on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
He said the exercise is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Represented by Benedict Agu, the Project Coordinator, Ojukwu said the exercise focused on civil protection and mainstreaming of human right principles into counter insurgency operations.
“To further sustain the gains made so far, the NHRC in partnership with UNHCR is here to engage with key military officers who are directly involved in the counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
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“So far, I commend the gallantry of all officers in the frontlines working hard to protect Nigerians, and also condole with the Armed Forces on their men who have sacrificed their lives in the defense of humanity, ” Ojukwu said.
According to Ojukwu, there is an extreme need to prosecute the insurgency operations in a manner that wins the hearts and minds of the civilian populace.
He lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and other service chiefs for their sustained support and cooperation towards facilitating the exercise.
The UNHCR representative, Ms Hostencia Esua, said the training exercise was a collaborative engagement between security actors, NHRC, UNHCR and other stakeholders, to ensure protection of human rights in the counter insurgency campaign as well as addressing issues of displacement.
Some of the papers to be presented at the two-day training exercise include “Understanding UNHCR mandate and Humanitarian Situation in North East”, and “Standard of Detention in Armed Conflicts” and “Child Protection in Conflict Situation.”
