The NBA Sokoto Branch Human Rights Committee under the auspices of Rashidat Mohammed Esq. and M. M. Aliyu Esq. joins the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The event brought together members of the branch and relevant key state actors to kick start the 16 days of activism.
The events sought to create awareness on the critical issues surrounding violence against women and girls, leveraging the influential voices of key state actors to foster and drive change in the executive and judiciary through dismantling the administrative bottle neck which contribute to human right violation and also advocate for laws, policies and initiatives to protect the right of the marginalised group.
Objectives
The committee aimed to achieve the following:
- To campaign and create a platform for dialogue on ending violence against women and girls.
- To visit the remand home/correctional centre in order to interact with inmates and discuss human rights issues related to long detention and children criminal justice system.
- To raise awareness about human rights issues among diverse state actors and how its effect can be curbed.
- To promote collaboration among stakeholders in implementing effective interventions and support mechanisms for survivors of violence.
In the light of that note, the committee/some members of the branch were able to interview 20 inmates from various detention facility with due attention and rapt response were given to address their predicament in which 7 out of the 20 inmates were released from the various detention facility upon payment of stipulated fines for each.
In addition to that, the committee also engage the Commissioner of police on an interactive session bothering on issues of proper and timely investigation of cases at their desk and how that can be achieved without violating the right of the defendant.
A visit was also made to some key state actors urging them to provide an enabling environment for prosecution of human right violators as they are the key stakeholders charged with the responsibility to uphold and dispense justice without any fear or favour.
And also enjoin them to imbibe the spirit of transparency and commitment to their task by showing robust responses to issues bothering on human right violation and holding the perpetrators accountable.
However, pro-bono lawyers also volunteered to take up cases of the remaining 13 inmates that do not have legal representation due to financial constraints.
SUCCESS RECORDED
- STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND ADVOCACY VISITS
The NBA Sokoto Branch HRC paid an advocacy visits to major stakeholders in Sokoto State, ranging from the Judiciary, Law enforcement Agencies etc., and engaged them on various human rights violations as it relates to GENDER BASED VIOLENCE, and the role every stakeholder need to play to enable a just society. It was a robust and fruitful conversation. - RADIO PHONE IN PROGRAME
The NBA Sokoto Branch Chairman and the Secretary of the Branch’s HRC had a radio programme at Rima Radio Sokoto where they had awareness campaign and legal insights into the issue. The discussion gave litigant a platform to interact with Lawyers and air their view on Gender Based violence and other related Human Rights Violations. The team highlighted the challenges survivors face in accessing justice, such as stigmatization, lack of awareness, and inadequate legal structures, and advocated for more accessible reporting mechanisms and legal support services. - RELEASE OF INMATES FROM BOTH CORRECTIONAL SERVICE AND REMAND HOME
The team visited the correctional service and Remand Home in Sokoto, interviewed some inmates, and secured the release of those with lesser offences.
The beneficiaries are as follows;
- Shafiu bello
- Isah kabiru
- Nasiru annur
- Nasiru Abubakar
- Manu Muhammad
- Bello Haruna
- Jamilu Aminu
Please find attached their release warrant.
Key Observation
- Excessive & stringent imprisonment terms are given on minor offences that community service could serve as a deterrent.
- Withholding charges are used to keep the defendant on long detention against the stipulated time of arraignment within the framework of the constitution and Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
Action Plan - Organize a training workshop for key state actors involved in safeguarding the rights of its citizens.
- File a notice of appeal for cases with substantial merit.
- Follow up with cases lacking legal representation to its conclusion.
CONCLUSION
The I6 days of activism was a resounding success through our collective action and engagement with key stakeholders in promoting human rights. We reaffirmed our commitment by standing in solidarity with individuals/ communities to advocate for justice, equality, and dignity irrespective of religion, tribe/ethnicity, and gender. This event reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect the rights of every individual.
Signed:
Aminu Hassan Esq.
Publicity Secretary
NBA SOKOTO BRANCH
