Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project on “Protection of Forcibly Displaced Persons through Human Rights Information Data Collection and Documentation in Nigeria”.
Ojukwu handed down this commendation through Dr. Benedict Agu, Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary and Head of Monitoring Department, who is also the project coordinator at a Mid-term review meeting of the project which took place in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The Human Rights Boss noted that the project aims to monitor human rights and protection situations of forcibly displaced persons in Nigeria. He said the project is supported by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and seeks to gain comprehensive insight into issues concerning internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees. This will enable the government and humanitarian actors to respond to their needs and reduce vulnerability. He added.
Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced persons while appreciating the support of UNHCR and the dedication of field staff, monitors, and community protection action group members.
He said the Mid-term review meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the project’s progress, discuss challenges, and align on the way forward.
The Learned Silk called for continued collaboration to ensure the project’s success and the realization of its objectives.
Participant expressed delight over the initiative to review the performance of the project saying it has also given stakeholders including monitors and protection action group members opportunity to brainstorm about their challenges. The two-day event which drew participants from the 11 project states ended on the 23rd of September.
[22/09, 16:49] Fatimah: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held a mid-term review meeting for its project on “Protection of Forcibly Displaced Persons through Human Rights Information Data Collection and Documentation in Nigeria” in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on September 22, 2025.
According to Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of NHRC, the project aims to monitor the human rights and protection situation of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) in Nigeria, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees. The project’s objective is to gain a comprehensive insight into the issues concerning FDPs, enabling the government and humanitarian actors to respond to their needs and reduce their vulnerability.
Dr. Ojukwu, represented by Dr. Benedict Agu, Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary and Head of Monitoring Department, noted that the mid-term review meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to assess the project’s progress, discuss challenges, and align on the way forward. The meeting brought together representatives from NHRC, UNHCR, and other stakeholders involved in the project.
The expected outcome of the meeting was to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to drive the project forward, ensuring the protection of FDPs’ rights. Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the protection of the rights of FDPs.
He appreciated the support of UNHCR and the dedication of field staff, monitors, and community protection action group members. The project is a crucial step in addressing human rights issues in Nasarawa State, which has been dealing with various challenges, including insecurity, flood preparedness, and water scarcity.
[22/09, 20:50] Fatimah: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is urging the Federal Government to expedite the ratification of the Draft Policy on Protection of Civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation. This policy aims to protect civilians from harm during security operations and provides a framework for preventing, minimizing, and addressing civilian harm.
The NHRC’s call for ratification is supported by its ongoing project on “Protection of Forcibly Displaced Persons through Human Rights Information Data Collection and Documentation in Nigeria,” supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This project seeks to monitor the human rights and protection situation of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) in Nigeria, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees.
The project has recorded notable achievements, including managing 3,096 human rights cases and training 80 security personnel to protect the rights and dignity of FDPs. The NHRC emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the protection of FDPs’ rights. Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of NHRC, represented by Dr. Benedict Agu, highlighted the project’s notable achievements and the need for continued support.
The project is being implemented in 11 project states, with selected Community Protection Action Group Members and Human Rights Monitors working in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs). These participants recently gathered for a mid-term review meeting in Keffi, Nasarawa State, to discuss challenges they encounter in the field and explore ways to mitigate them.
The NHRC believes that ratifying the Draft Policy on Protection of Civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation will significantly enhance the protection of civilians in conflict situations. The policy’s adoption will strengthen the fight against human rights violations, align with regional and international human rights and humanitarian instruments, and provide a framework for preventing, minimizing, and addressing civilian harm.
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