The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has lauded the military for observing human rights principles while prosecuting the counter insurgency operations in the North East.
Executive Secretary of the Commission Mr Tony Ojukwu made the commendation during a two day training on mainstreaming human rights and civilian protection into counter insurgency operations in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.
The training is aimed at enhancing the capacity of military and other law enforcement officers on how to apply basic human rights principles and identifying protection issues in humanitarian context.
Represented by Director women and children department of the Commission, Mr Harry Obe, the Executive Secretary observed that there has been appreciable gains by military and other law enforcement agencies in the protection of civilians during the conflict.
“Our rating is very good, is appreciable. The people prosecuting the war are aware that the citizens have right to be protected and also conscious of the responsibilities to discharge their mandates in line with human rights standard” Mr Ojukwu said.
The Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Commission explained that the periodic training which started in 2015 has greatly helped in not only reducing the casualty level in the conflict but has also reduced the humanitarian consequences of internally displacement.
Head of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR North East sub office Mr. Mohammed Irfan represented by the protection officer Mohammed Ali acknowledged the better working relationship between United Nations and the military in the region.
According to him, the level of stability in the North East will not have been achieved without the gallant effort of the military.
The Head of UNHCR urged the participants to pass on the training to their colleagues in the frontline so as to continue to protect the rights of civilians during armed conflict.
Dauda Iliya