Commission Decries Rape Prevalence In South East

The National
Human Rights Commission in Awka on Monday decried the high incidences of rape
and defilement of young girls in the South-East zone.

A
member of the commission’s Governing Council, Chief Dave Ezeigwe, expressed the
concern when he spoke at a forum organised by Human Right and Road Safety
Awareness Organisation.

According
to him, most of the rape abuses are caused by grown up males who should
naturally be the ones to take care of the young girls.

“Human
rights activism is a vital tool for checking abuses, denials and encroachment
of rights, especially among the less-privileged.

“We
should be alive to our enormous responsibilities and expectations by making
positive impacts on the lives of the citizenry, especially raped victims,” he
said.

He, however, said that human rights as enshrined in the country’s constitution, should be respected and protected to create a better society for the present and future generations.

Ezeigwe,
who is also a Commissioner in the commission, advised various human rights
groups to always operate within the confines of the laws.

He
also urged them to consult professionals whenever in doubt.

He
stressed the need for the organisers to make the session a regular exercise to
improve their network and knowledge.

The
National President, Human Rights and Road Safety Awareness Organisation, Chief
Levi Okonkwo, said the organisation was formed eight years ago to fight against
human rights abuses and violations.

Okonkwo
said the organisation was working with government agencies and stakeholders to
enlighten the people on their fundamental rights as well as propagating ideals
of good citizenship.

He
said that the organisation was averse to human rights abuses and urged the
people to assist the organisation to execute its programmes.

Earlier,
the state Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Mrs Laura Ofong,
expressed the commitment of the commission to partner with various human rights
groups and agencies to safeguard the rights of the people.

Ofong
said the commission was willing to assist non-governmental organisations in the
areas of enlightenment, education and sensitisation of the people.