355,726 rights violations complaints received in December — NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission has reported that no fewer than 355,726 human rights violation complaints were received in December 2024.

The commission also disclosed that it recorded 1,223 complaints of child abandonment, 746 complaints of child marriage, 501 child trafficking reports, and 388 complaints of sexual abuse during the same period.

This was revealed on Tuesday by the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), during the presentation of the 2024 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja.

While noting a significant increase compared to the figures recorded in January 2024, Ojukwu attributed the rise to growing human rights awareness among citizens.

He stated, “Over the past year, the National Human Rights Commission has worked tirelessly to fulfil its mandate of monitoring, investigating, and addressing human rights concerns across the country.

“The monthly Dashboard on Human Rights Assessment in Nigeria is a major flagship through which we are fulfilling this sacred mandate. The data we share today is not merely a set of statistics; it represents the day-to-day experiences of Nigerians who continue to entrust us with their complaints and hopes for justice.

“In December 2024 alone, the NHRC received a staggering 355,726 complaints of human rights violations. This marks an overwhelming increase from the 1,147 complaints reported in January of the same year.

“This dramatic surge is a testament to the growing awareness among Nigerians of their rights and the trust they have placed in the Commission as a crucial avenue for seeking justice and redress. It is a clear indication that Nigerians are increasingly aware of their human rights and are turning to the Commission as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.”

Ojukwu noted that the violations documented in 2024 paint a sobering picture of the challenges Nigerians face.

He further explained, “Among the most prevalent issues were the violation of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association; abandonment of children; attacks on law enforcement; discrimination; sexual and gender-based violence; the suppression of civic space; as well as the escalating violence of banditry and mass killings.

“These issues, though varied, underscore the complexity of the human rights landscape in Nigeria.”

Ojukwu emphasised that the figures highlight the extent of the violations and serve as an urgent call to action.

He added that these findings should act as facilitators for change and not just points for reflection.

Calling on stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, international partners, and all Nigerians, he urged for collective efforts to combat systemic injustices.

Ojukwu noted that the protection of human rights cannot, and must not, rest solely on the shoulders of the National Human Rights Commission stressing that it is a call and fight for all.

He called for the strengthening of mechanisms of accountability and justice, the advancement of policies and interventions that safeguard the freedom of expression while combating discrimination in all its forms.

He also noted that it is essential that the nation invests in the welfare and training of law enforcement officers to ensure that they act under human rights standards.

“We must also commit to protecting the most vulnerable in our society, particularly the children who are often neglected and abused,” Ojukwu said.

He urged Nigerians to collectively champion the values of dignity, justice, and equality.