HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: UN-POLAC calls for Collective Action, Peace, and Women’s Empowerment

Oru Leonard 

The United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC) has called for a collective commitment by stakeholders aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and national development.

 

The Director-General of UN-POLAC, Prof .Obong Halo B. Eton made this known at event organized by UNPOLAC to commemorate 2024 international human rights day in Lagos

Prof. Obong Halo Eton represented by Pastor Dr.Z.A Ogunsanya said UN-polac is committed to human rights and sustainable development ,adding that Human Rights Day is not only a time for reflection but a call to action.

According to him, “This day reminds us of our shared duty to uphold the dignity, equality, and freedoms of all people.

“This event also celebrated UN-POLAC’s recent achievements, including the launch of a comprehensive training program for Certified Peace Advocates, which aims to equip individuals with essential tools to mediate conflicts and foster understanding within their communities. The training empowers participants to become proactive agents of peace in their regions.”

while acknowledging both the progress made in human rights and the challenges that persist globally. He highlighted the vital role of UN-POLAC in promoting peace, advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and UNESCO’s Culture of Peace Programme.u

He further underscored the organization’s expanded advocacy efforts, which now target young leaders across Nigerian universities. By engaging students, UN-POLAC aims to foster the next generation of peacebuilders, equipped with the knowledge and skills to address pressing societal issues.

 

In a Keynote Address,Deputy Country President UN POLAC, Amb. Peter Ohagwa urged everyone at the event to stay on course, mobilize, and use their voices and votes to build strong social movements for future generations.

 

Amb.Ohagwa added that the progress made since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, now face a precarious moment with escalating conflicts, a triple planetary crisis, and increasing inequalities.

He also urged Federal Government to establish a Task Force with Nigerian
Security Agencies to ensure proper protection of our Natural Resources
from vandalization,

“the UN-POLAC Nigeria urges the Federal
Government to also establish and revitalize FOREST SECURITY CORPS
(FSC) which have been moribund, whose core mandate and objectives
should be geared towards curbing crime and criminalities in Nigeria’s forest
which has become safe haven for criminals.
We will appreciate this time around, to include our local vigilante in our
various rural communities across the Federation to be part of the
formation and should be recruited to join the corps with vigorous training” he added

 

Also speaking at the event is Dr. Mrs. Cynthia Amaka Obiorah, Associate Professor and Director of Women and Children at UN-POLAC, who was represented by Mrs Tosin Shonibare
recognized the pivotal role of women in the advancement of peace and human rights.

In her word “It is a great honor to be addressing this distinguished gathering on this exciting occasion of International Human Rights Day,” she began, stressing the importance of the day as a reminder of the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual deserves.

Dr. Obiorah highlighted two key initiatives that UN-POLAC was marking on this special day: the appointment of new Peace Advocates and the honoring of exceptional women with the Distinguished Woman of Peace and Honors Awards (DWOPHA).

 

She concluded with a reaffirmation of UN-POLAC’s ongoing dedication to promoting human rights, justice, and equality.

Earlier in her remarks,The Secretary General and Director of Programme UNPOLAC,
Amb. Dr. Mrs. Patricia Agu said human Rights is enshrined in the inalienable Rights that everyone is entitled to as Human being- regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, National or social origin, property,.birth or other status.
” Human are the basic Rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until.death. they apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe, or how you choose to live your life.
The right to life,the right to fair trial,the right to privacy, the right to vote freedom of expression, freedom of religion or conscience she added…

On his part,Guest Speaker,,Professor Joseph Legend, Prof. of environmental management, university of COSTA RICA, USA said the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria’s ethnic groups is essential for the country’s progress and stability, as it fosters social harmony, economic growth, and political stability despite the challenges posed by ethnic tensions and historical grievances.

Thanks to UN-POLAC in enhancing
the transmission and promotion of peaceful co-existence among
ethnic groups in Nigeria.

 

The event with theme “Our Rights Our Future, Right Now” also featured award presentation to newly appointed peace Ambassadors