The Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Lagos State, Mr Lucas Koyejo, has urged the people to be vigilant with a view to protect their rights.
Koyejo, who advised residents in Lagos State to speak out whenever their rights are violated, stressed that those whose rights have been violated should also talk to the commission, relevant agencies and the media.
In an interview with journalists, while the agency was embarking on road walk to mark the International Day for Human Rights in Lagos, the human rights commission Coordinator noted that moment people see something that will impugn on their rights, they should not keep quite but speak out.
The theme for this year International Day for Human Rights is “All Equal, All Human”.
It is on record that the UN had declared December 10 every year as International Day for Human Rights after the Second World War in 1948.
Koyejo said there have been increased awareness about human rights by the People, adding that in recent times NHRC had received more petitions than in the past.
“In Lagos State, there is increase in awareness about human rights, which explains the increase in number of petitions we are getting from people and organisations.
“Not as if the violations have not been there before, may be, people were not protesting, but now, many people are speaking out. More people are bringing complaints to the commission now.
“People now know places to go to complain. They have voices, they have the social media. There is more access to the media that can help voice their violations. This is making people to be aware of what is going on,” he said.
Koyejo commended the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Youths and Social Development, Domestic and Sexual violence Agency, security agencies and the Ministry of Justice for their support to fight human rights violations.
He appealed to the people to be vigilant with a view to protect their rights, stressing that those whose rights have been violated should also talk to the commission, relevant agencies and the media.
