Bayelsa State Government is set to host the first summit against Human Rights abuse as part of efforts in reducing the menace and prosecuting offenders.
The Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights, Bayelsa State House Of Assembly, Hon. Tonbara Ted Elemeforo made this known during a Stakeholders meeting with the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence, BANGOF, NAPTIP, National Human Right Commission, Girls in Tech, Do foundation, thriving hope development initiative and other NGOs at the State House of Assembly Complex.
Hon. Elemeforo, stated that the landmark event will convene legal advocates, policymakers, delegates, major stakeholders and opinion leaders from all the eight Local Government Areas of the state to strengthen the fight against human rights violations.
While decrying the increase of reported and unreported cases without proper prosecution, he disclosed that if there’s need to strengthen legislation, and amend the laws regarding human rights, they won’t hesitate to put that in place.
He said “Human rights should be respected, protected and promoted. We are ready to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure we nip this acts to its nearest minimum”
“If there’s need to strengthen legislation we will do it, we have to sit down look at the issues critically, discuss on how to proffer solution to this crime and the victims. Sometimes implementing all of this becomes a challenge but we will ensure we get it right this time, we will not take it likely this time around, if they’re are cases we will pursue them to the end.”
“For some who are holding onto some traditional beliefs, though such beliefs are not easily made away, we will ensure various sensitization strategies, thorough awareness creation will be employed as major part of the advocacy campaign.”
According to the Team Lead, Do Foundation, Barr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, was full of praise for the initiative and the reassurance by the Chairman House Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Elemeforo, adding that the terrible experiences will become a thing of the past.
Recounting, some of the bitter experiences in the state, she noted that the initiative and moves will restore hope of the victims of violence and also put offenders in check.
In her brief, State Coordinator, Civil Rights Action ms Princess Egbe and a member of BANGOF, Princess Elizabeth Egbe, noted that with the number of cases and the insecurity of the gender based violence victims, there was no better time to discuss and get solutions in addressing this menace.
Asst. Chief. Investigator Officer, National Human Rights Commission in the state, Mrs. Chiwe Uba, and the Public Relations Officer, NAPTIP, Sambo Wariebi, in their separate speeches said the move for an all inclusive conference for all stakeholders is a welcome development.
They also said collaboration of such nature will help achieve greater results and bring an end to the gender based violence and other human rights violations in the state.
They both pledged their support in making the event a successful and result oriented one.
