The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abuja Branch, recently paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The purpose of the visit, according to a statement signed by FIDA Abuja Publicity Secretary, Chimdindu Onyedim-Etuwewe was to deepen collaboration on the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable populations.
The full statement reads:
The delegation was led by Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of FIDA Abuja Branch, alongside the Chairperson of Gwagwalada Branch and other Executive Members of Abuja Branch. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen institutional synergy between FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch and the NHRC on issues of access to justice and the protection of fundamental rights.
In her remarks, the Chairperson commended the NHRC for its outstanding role in safeguarding human rights across the country, and her continuous support to FIDA over the years.. She emphasized the need for continued collaboration and proposed that more female staff members of the NHRC be encouraged to join FIDA. According to her, this would facilitate joint advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and effective service delivery to vulnerable groups.
She further requested slots for greater participation of FIDA members in NHRC trainings and initiatives, especially those focusing on women and children’s rights. The Chairperson also raised concerns about the slow pace of justice in courts and proposed that FIDA and NHRC work together to explore interim support mechanisms that provide immediate relief to victims while awaiting court resolution, leveraging on NHRC’s statutory quasi-judicial powers.
Responding on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Rabi Anwar, the Director of Legal Services of the NHRC welcomed the FIDA delegation and appreciated the Branch’s advocacy efforts. She acknowledged the alignment between both organizations’ mandates and reassured the team of NHRC’s commitment to defending the rights of vulnerable groups through its specialized departments and ongoing programs.
The Director assured on the Commission’s favorable disposition to the Branch’s request for deeper collaboration. She also pledged to encourage female NHRC staff to join FIDA – and showed example by immediately securing a membership form for herself.
As a token of appreciation and shared commitment, the Branch presented some advocacy resources and materials to the NHRC. In return, the NHRC shared some of its recent publications and resource materials, symbolizing a mutual dedication to human rights advancement.
This advocacy visit underscores FIDA Abuja’s steadfast commitment to building strategic partnerships with key institutions like the NHRC to advance gender justice and human rights in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
Chimdindu Onyedim-Etuwewe
Publicity Secretary,
FIDA Abuja Branch.
