The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns over the increasing number of children being abandoned as parents struggle to cope with economic hardship.
Prof. Anthony Ojukwu, executive secretary and chief executive officer of the NHRC, made this known during the 2024 International Human Rights Day Walk in Abuja on Sunday. The event was funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Ojukwu lamented the lack of contributions to the NHRC’s human rights fund and urged affluent individuals and corporate organisations to donate.
“There is a human rights fund, but nobody has donated to it. Why can’t we have private individuals in this country who can afford to donate N100 million without it affecting them? They will see the impact in reduced numbers of displaced persons, beggars on the streets, children out of school, and women without shelter,” Ojukwu said.
He highlighted the plight of abandoned children, stating that many parents can no longer shoulder their responsibilities any more.
“Every month, we see on the dashboard how many children are abandoned. These are areas where private individuals and organisations can assist the commission in addressing human rights issues.”
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to address human rights violations, Ojukwu called for greater action and contributions.
He encouraged private entities to donate cash and equipment such as computers, laptops, and vehicles to support the commission’s work.
Dr Salamatu Hussein Suleiman, chair of the NHRC Governing Council, also spoke at the event, emphasising the importance of human rights advocacy beyond Human Rights Day.
“Today is significant, but our message is that the focus on human rights must extend throughout the year. The right to education, especially for children, is crucial because it holds the key to solving many of the country’s problems,” Suleiman said.
She stressed the importance of investing in human capital, noting that education is pivotal to national development.
“Out-of-school children, if educated, will add immense value to the country. Human capital is a nation’s greatest asset and a well-trained populace enhances our status in the global community.”