By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA), has intensified efforts to combat HIV-related stigma, discrimination and human rights violations through a multi-stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening access to justice and protection for vulnerable populations in the state.
The five-day programme, held at San Diego Hotels and Suites, Abakaliki, brought together representatives of government ministries and agencies, security institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, community-based groups, media practitioners and development partners to assess the functionality of the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team in Ebonyi State.
Speaking at the end of the exercise, Assistant Chief Programme Officer in the Community Prevention Department of NACA, Mrs. Favour Iyamu-Obi, said the assessment was designed to evaluate the performance of the state response team, identify existing gaps and challenges, and develop strategies for improving the protection of the rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV), key populations and other vulnerable groups.
According to her, the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team was established to address cases of rights violations through a multi-sectoral approach, but its effectiveness required periodic assessment to ensure optimal performance.
“The purpose of this meeting is to assess the functionality of the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team in Ebonyi State. The assessment will help us identify achievements, challenges and gaps, while also strengthening the capacity of members to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” she said.
Iyamu-Obi noted that participants developed action plans covering critical thematic areas, including access to justice, stigma and discrimination reduction, community mobilisation, advocacy, and the provision of non-discriminatory services in healthcare settings.
She added that NACA would return later in the year to evaluate the level of implementation of the agreed action plans.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Prince Chibueze Andrew Iteshi, described the programme as a crucial step towards improving human rights protection and ensuring justice for victims of discrimination and abuse.
Iteshi explained that the self-assessment exercise focused on identifying the root causes of human rights violations in the state, examining available mechanisms for justice delivery and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders responsible for protecting citizens' rights.
He stressed that the involvement of traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, security agencies, government ministries, civil society groups and development partners underscored the importance of a coordinated response to human rights concerns.
According to him, the state response team plays a vital role in addressing violations affecting people living with HIV and other vulnerable populations, while ensuring that their dignity and rights are protected.
He called on both the federal and state governments to provide adequate funding for institutions responsible for handling human rights matters, warning that unresolved rights violations often lead to self-stigmatisation, depression and other social consequences.
“Our rights are our pride, and they must be protected. Relevant agencies and institutions require adequate support to effectively discharge their responsibilities,” he stated.
Representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ebonyi State, the Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Ambassador Joseph Nwibo, described the workshop as timely and impactful.
Nwibo said the knowledge gained during the training would be shared with church leaders across the state to promote greater understanding of HIV/AIDS and the need to protect the rights of affected persons.
He urged religious leaders to discourage discrimination against people living with HIV, noting that infection could occur under different circumstances and that affected persons deserved dignity, compassion and support.
“The church must continue to protect victims of HIV/AIDS and work against social stigma. They remain our brothers and sisters, and their rights must be respected,” he said.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Agalegu Ishieke Autonomous Community in Ebonyi Local Government Area, HRH Eze Paul Ogodo Egbe (Mgbomeze II) commended the organisers for bringing together key stakeholders to address gender and human rights issues.
The monarch said participants gained valuable insights into human rights protection and pledged that traditional institutions would continue to play their role in safeguarding the rights of community members and reporting cases of abuse to appropriate authorities.
He stressed the need for continuous sensitisation at the grassroots level to ensure that citizens understand their rights and are empowered to seek redress whenever those rights are violated.
During the programme, participants engaged in extensive discussions on the rights-based approach to law enforcement and justice administration, emphasizing the need for institutions to protect, respect and fulfil the rights of individuals while carrying out their statutory duties.
Representatives of the National Human Rights Commission, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, faith-based groups and the media also shared perspectives on strategies for strengthening human rights protection and reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination across Ebonyi State.
The stakeholders unanimously resolved to deepen advocacy, improve community awareness and strengthen institutional collaboration to ensure justice, dignity and equal opportunities for all citizens, particularly people living with HIV and other vulnerable populations.
