The call was made during
the weekend at a training organized for journalists in Benin,Edo state on Human Right Advocacy and promotion of the United Nations Convention Against Torture(ProCAT)
The two days event,which drew journalists accros media houses was on various topics: “Fundamental Human Rights”; “Promoting Human Dignity-Salient Provisions of the United Nations Convention against Torture”; “Accountability of Perpetrators of Human Rights Abuses under the Anti-Torture Acts 2017” among others.
Speaking, the facilitator, Mrs. Edugie Amihere(Esq) said the training was designed for media workers, first to understand their rights, so they can also advocate for the right of others.
She said,all stakeholders in the Criminal Justice sector must play their part,and emphasized that it is not about creating awareness on Fundamental Human Rightsinfringement. But what happens after then?
Hear her.”All stakeholders in the Criminal Justice sector must play their part. It’s not only about creating awareness on Fundamental Human Rights or Fundamental Human Rights infringement. After that, what next?”
“Human Rights Advocacy is all about collaborative effort.In Lagos State for example, a bill was recently passed by the State House of Assembly, banning the pre-trial parade of suspects before the media. Nothing is stopping the NUJ in Edo State presenting a Private Member Bill before the Edo State House of Assembly in this regard.” She said
Also, highlighted was the “United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Forms of Curel, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment or Punishment.”(Adopted by the UN General Assembly resolution 39/46 of 10 December 1984) which states that the “recognition of the equal and inalienable rights of members of the human family is the foundation for freedom, justice, and peace in the world and that those rights derive from the inherent dignity of the human person.”
