Ebonyi Human Rights Outfit Helps 50 Inmates Out Of Jail

The Executive Director, Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Centre, HRCRC, in Ebonyi state, George Etamesor, says the Centre has secured the release of over 50 inmates in different Correctional Centers in the state.

Etamesor made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abakaliki during a programme to commemorate the International Human Rights Day.

He said that the feat was achieved through the collaboration of the National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council, Ministry of Justice, Correctional Service, Nigeria Bar Association and other relevant organisations.

He faulted the condition of the Abakaliki Custodial Centre housing over 1,000 inmates, saying that the number was against the original capacity of 370 before the intervention of the center.

According to him, the Centre had also mediated in over 300 wide spectrum of conflicts, ranging from inter-personal to communal cases.

“We will not stop until we establish a branch in every community to deepen our grassroots presence,” Etamesor said.

He applauded the State Government, Attorney-General of the state, Dr Ben Odoh, Commissioner of Police, Anthonia Uche-Anya, and other security agencies for the partnership.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, described the theme of this year’s celebration, “Our rights, our future, right now” as a wake-up call.

Ojukwu, who was represented by the Legal Officer of the commission, Mr Ejimnkeonye Odenyi, said the call is aimed at taking deliberate steps to close the gaps in human rights protection.

“This event is not just to remember and echo the universal declaration of human rights, rather, it is a time to take stock on our level of compliance to human rights instruments to ensure state obligations are met and citizens’ rights protected.

“It is also a call to action, tasking the duty bearers not to renege on their constitutional responsibilities instead of confronting the gaps and obstacles that continue to hinder the full realisation of these rights,” he said.

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