The Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security and Governance known as DCAF has trained security officers across Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies on the voluntary principles of human rights needed in the discharge of their duties.
The Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, while giving his welcome address at the opening session of a two-day workshop, held in Abuja at the weekend, regretted that law enforcement agencies in the country have not done well in adhering to the fundamental human rights of citizens during their operations.
Audi, who was represented by ACG Ibrahim Ningi, expressed optimism that the training will expose security officers and equip them with the skills of conducting a comprehensive human rights risk assessment in their various assignments with a view to ensuring that human rights are respected, security related human rights issues are identified and meaningful steps taken to address them.
His words: “You will all agree with me today that human rights records of our country’s law enforcement agencies have not been impressive, particularly in the areas of suspects’ fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, resulting in bad image and loss of public confidence.
“It is my hope that at the end of this workshop, participants will emerge well informed and better equipped with new ideas and skills for enhancing quality services and overall see human rights as an area of concern in their various engagements.”
The Project Coordinator, Business and Security Division of DCAF, Anna Maria Burdzy, said the workshop will help participants understand the need to promote respect for human rights and best practices drawing on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and Other relevant good practices in private security regulation.
According to her, the goal is to reduce risks, solve issues before they arise and contribute to sustainable development and respect for human rights.
The Executive Director of PRAWA, Dr. Uju Agomoh, explained that the objective of the workshop is also to discuss good practices in private security regulation and create awareness on the nexus between security, human rights, business and development.
She added that the workshop will provide a platform to discuss sustainable strategies aimed at implementing good practices on security, human rights and business in Nigeria.
