2nd June, 2011
Violence against persons is a gross violation of the rights of that individual, says the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The Head of Legal and Monitoring unit of the Commission, Mr. Harry Ogwuche, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
“It is a violation of human rights because torture, brutality, violence is not permitted under any law. Even if it is somebody that is adjudged to be a criminal, not to talk of someone that you just perceived to be committing a crime.
“It is only the court that can say this person is a criminal. The law does not permit the infliction of violence or torture on anybody despite the allegations against such person. It is a violation of human rights because it is not allowed.
“It demeans human beings; it reduces your dignity as a human person, and so torture and violence is not permitted; it is a gross violation of human rights; mark my words, gross violation of human rights.â€
Ogwuche explained that Nigerians needed to be aware of the activities of the NHRC, stating that this was necessary in ensuring that their rights were not trampled upon because of ignorance.
He said that the NHRC was established to protect the rights of Nigerians irrespective of class, sex or religious affiliations, adding that its services were free of charge.
Ogwuche also denounced reported abuse of rights of sex workers in which they went through torture, violence and all sorts of abuse by law enforcement agents.
He said that the culture of impunity among Nigerians needed to be addressed because most people did not get punished for crimes they committed stating that addressing this issue would make people trust the Nigerian judicial system.
Ogwuche said government, at all levels must address the issues that made people go into prostitution and other vices by making sure that there is employment and favourable economic policies.