The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has kicked off its 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a nationwide programme spanning all 36 states and Abuja, reaffirming its commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence and strengthening protection systems across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, called on the National Assembly to pass legislation establishing special constituencies for women, stressing that refusing to implement affirmative action is itself a form of violence against women, which should be prohibited.
He said, “We are using this moment to renew our dedication to a Nigeria where violence, discrimination, and harmful practices have no place, and where women and girls can live free from fear. We use the opportunity to call on the National Assembly to pass the law creating special constituencies for women to aid more women’s participation in politics and governance.”
The NHRC urged government agencies, communities, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to work together to eradicate gender-based violence.
He said, “Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world and in our country. These 16 days remind us that any form of violence is unacceptable and that every voice, especially the most vulnerable, must be heard, supported, and protected.”
He assured Nigerians that the Commission will continue to uphold the principles of fair hearing and impartiality in all its operations and will not stand idle or allow human rights violations, including gender-based violence, to go unaddressed.
“Every complaint will receive due attention, and we will ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with the law.
“Awareness alone is not enough. We must move from commitments to concrete action. Together, we can build a Nigeria where women and girls are valued, respected, and protected”, Ojukwu added and reaffirmed that the NHRC will continue to ensure justice, uphold fair hearing, and hold all perpetrators accountable in accordance with the law.
The NHRC boss said, the 16 days of activism, observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day), serves as a global call to action against gender based violence (GBV) has, since 1991, united governments, civil society, and activists across the world in demanding justice and accountability.
He said, “Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world and in our country. These 16 days remind us that any form of violence is unacceptable and that every voice, especially the most vulnerable, must be heard, supported, and protected.”
He unveiled a detailed schedule of activities to be carried out simultaneously nationwide, to include: roadshows with CSOs, NBA, and FIDA on November 25, culminating in official flag-offs by state first ladies, engagements with traditional rulers across states and advocacy visits to Chief Judges and Federal High Court judges and a nationwide human rights day rally on December 10, among other engagements.
Ojukwu said, “The activities show our commitment to prevention, accountability, and strengthening protection systems across the country.
This year’s observance coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission, with the Commission highlighting the progress made since its establishment and outlining areas requiring urgent action.
“For three decades, the NHRC has remained a steady voice for justice, dignity, and equality in Nigeria. We have worked tirelessly to promote and protect the rights of every person, strengthening accountability, deepening democratic values, and ensuring that human rights remain at the centre of national development”, Ojukwu stated
