The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Nigeria, in collaboration with partners, has taken steps to develop a rights-based Training of Trainers (ToT) manual on protection of rights of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and other key populations in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, stated this on Wednesday, while declaring open a workshop in Kano.
Ojukwu said the initiative was aimed at strengthening capacity, address stigma, discriminate and promote inclusion of key and vulnerable populations within Nigeria’s HIV response.
He said that it was meant for Key Populations (KPs) to address pervasive human rights violations and stigma.
According to him, this workshop goes beyond technical discussion, but reflects our collective resolve to confront stigma, discrimination and systemic exclusion, particularly as they affect key and vulnerable populations in our country.
“Stigma and discrimination often obstruct access to justice, healthcare and social protection, with negative consequences for public health outcomes and national development,”he said.
Ojukwu said that NHRC remained committed to promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights in line with international standards, including the Vienna declaration on Human Rights.
He added that as a sub-recipient under the Global Fund Grant, the Commission was strategically positioned to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for the protection of the rights of key populations within Nigeria’s HIV response environment.
“Frontline actors such as law enforcement officers, healthcare providers, social workers, community leaders, legal practitioners and civil society organisations play crucial roles in translating human rights principles into realities.
“The proposed NTOT manual will serve as a comprehensive, rights-based and contextually relevant resource to standardise training approaches across sectors and states, empower stakeholders with practical tools and foster a culture of dignity, accountability and inclusion.
“It will also consolidate training approaches on human rights and HIV, promote rights and dignity of key and vulnerable populations, and strengthen complaints, redress and accountability mechanisms,”he said.
On her part, Mrs Temitope Ilori, Director General of National Agency for the Control of AIDs, (NACA) said it complements ongoing national efforts to eliminate legal, social, and human rights barriers that limit access to HIV and tuberculosis services.
Ilori, represented by, Mrs. Emmanuela Abakpa, Senior Programme Officer of the agency, said they partner with NHRC, whose mandate covers the affected areas, to see results and help to move the response forward.
