By Milcah Tanimu

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have called for a holistic approach to protecting the rights of migrants. This call was made during a two-day training on human rights and migration organized by the UN in Nigeria for NHRC staff in Abuja.

The training, titled “PROMIS-Protection of Migrants,” aimed to strengthen the capacity of West African states to develop human rights-based responses to migrant smuggling and combat rights violations. The Executive-Secretary of NHRC, Mr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described the PROMIS project as crucial in addressing the violation of migrants’ rights.

He emphasized the need for a human rights-based approach to migration management, highlighting the dehumanizing conditions, illegal arrests, prolonged detentions, torture, and inhumane treatment that migrants often face. Ojukwu also noted the importance of addressing trafficking within Nigeria as part of the broader migration challenges.

Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu, Senior Human Rights Adviser at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), acknowledged that migration could transform societies and economies but also highlighted the challenges and human rights violations that could arise if not properly managed. She stressed the commitment to core human rights principles of dignity, equality, and non-discrimination for all, regardless of migratory status.

The training aimed to deepen understanding of migration-related issues and strengthen the capacity of NHRC staff to apply international and national human rights frameworks to migrants, especially at international borders. It also encouraged discussions on collaborations and synergies between the NHRC and other stakeholders for the effective promotion and protection of migrants’ rights in Nigeria.

The joint initiative by the UN Human Rights Office and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime brought together 25 NHRC staff from various field offices to participate in the training. The collaboration between the UN and NHRC aimed to support Nigeria in enhancing the promotion and protection of migrants’ rights, particularly those in vulnerable situations.