Military abides with human rights principles, others say NHRC
By Njadvara MUSA, Maiduguri
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended the military for abiding with the human rights principles in the counter-terrorism operations in the Northeast.
NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu disclosed this, yesterday (Thursday), in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital; at a two-day training on human rights and civilian protection.
The mainstreaming of people’s rights and protection are in the insurgency-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
Besides, he added that the training is aimed at enhancing the capacity of the military and other security agencies how to apply basic human rights principles.
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According to him, they are to also identify issues of protection in the humanitarian context.
Ojukwu, represented by the Director of the Women and Children Department, Harry Obe, stated that there have been appreciable gains by the military and other law enforcement agencies.
He said that they have been protecting civilians in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations at the theatre of conflict.
In accessing the military operations, he said: “Our rating is very good and appreciable with the abode of human rights principles.
“The people prosecuting the war are aware that the citizens have the right to be protected and conscious of their responsibilities to discharge their mandates.”
According to him, the mandates are also in line with human rights standards and principles.
He explained that the periodic training which commenced in 2015; has helped not only reduce the casualty level in the conflict but reduced the humanitarian consequences of massive internal displacement.
Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR North East sub-office, Mohammed Irfan represented by Mohammed Ali also acknowledged the better working relationship between the United Nations (UN) and the Military.
He noted that the level of stability in the region will not have been achieved without the gallant efforts of the military.
The Head of UNHCR urged the participants to pass on the training to their colleagues on the frontline so as to continue to protect the rights of civilians during armed conflict.
