by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | human rights, politics, politics and government, politics and law, public policy
“The NHRC urged the government to implement specific measures to avoid similar incidents in the future,” it stated.
The NHRC has called for justice regarding the 16 hunters who were lynched last Thursday in Edo State, and has appealed to the government to implement measures designed to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, voiced his worries regarding the mob killing in a media release published in Abuja on Tuesday.
The commission insists that all those responsible must be identified and held accountable.
“The statement urged the government to implement specific measures to avoid similar events from happening again, as there is no excuse for vigilante justice anywhere globally,” it stated.
The 16 travellers were
reportedly lynched
Following their misidentification as kidnappers by local vigilantes on Thursday on the Uromi/Obajana Expressway within the Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Reports indicate that the victims were en route from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid-el-Fitr festivities when they encountered an assault by local vigilante groups. The attackers whipped the victims and subsequently burned them alive.
The Nigerian Police
announced
On March 29th, 14 individuals linked to the case were apprehended.
Rights violated
On Tuesday, the NHRC issued a statement urging both the Nigerian government and citizens to uphold the right to life and freedom of movement, following the killing of 16 individuals in an atrocity where these rights were blatantly disregarded.
He pointed out that the right to life is established in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Federal Republic Constitution
state
that the sanctity of life for every person should be upheld unless that individual has been condemned to death.
Article 6 of the
International Pact on Civil and Political Rights
goes on to advocate for the elimination of capital punishment.
Moreover, Mr. Ojukwu urged Nigerians to uphold the right to free movement as assured by the Constitution, Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The event has sparked nationwide anger, with leading figures and civil society organizations (CSOs) demanding a probe and ensuring the ones responsible face justice.
Amongst
They include former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Amnesty International, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
and
previous contenders for president, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Edo govt. reacts
On Saturday, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki issued an immediate suspension for the commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, who is a retired police commissioner, due to this incident.
killing of hunters
in the state.
On Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhidor, issued an official statement indicating that the governor has suspended all unauthorized vigilante organizations active within the state.
Their suspensions came after reviewing the initial report of the horrific killings of several hunters in Uromi.
The Esan North East Local Government Area
On Thursday, Mt Ikhilor stated regarding the state.
Mr. Ikhilor stated again that the local vigilante group responsible for the horrific killings on March 27th had been acting unlawfully and was neither documented nor registered with the Edo State Security Corps. He further noted that their acts do not align with the goals of the corps.
During his visit to the families of the victims on Monday, Mr. Okpebholo promised to provide compensation for the relatives of the 16 killed hunters.
He made the
compensation pledge when
Alongside his counterpart from Kano State, Abba Yusuf, he visited the families of the deceased hunters in Torankawa, Kano State, to offer condolences.
He praised the residents of Kano State for staying composed despite the circumstances.
“I would like to praise the residents of Kano State and all of Northern Nigeria for refraining from taking justice into their own hands and avoiding retaliatory assaults,” he stated.
Mr Okpebholo
has assured
that those responsible will encounter the complete force of the legal system.
NHRC commends governor’s actions
Mr. Ojukwu encouraged the Edo State Government to keep investigating the issue and praised the governor for suspending the leader of the Edo State Security Corps as well as prohibiting unauthorized vigilante operations throughout the state.
He likewise expressed the commission’s dedication to overseeing the continuous probe.
From our side, we will keep an eye on the investigation process to make sure justice prevails. This should act as a warning to others.
The promotion and safeguarding of human rights are crucial for national progress. Let’s adopt a culture that respects these rights and basic freedoms to improve Nigeria.
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by admin | Mar 30, 2025 | civil rights, human rights, immigrants, islam, politics
As Nigerian Muslims celebrate the conclusion of the 2025 Ramadan with millions around the globe, the Islamic human rights group MURIC (Muslim Rights Concern) has called for an end to the persecution faced by Nigerian Muslims.
The organization asserts that Nigerian Muslims continue to live under occupation until they receive all their civic rights, which should encompass, among other things, declaring the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) a national holiday similar to how 1st January is observed annually.
The statement was made in an Eid al-Fitr message issued on Sunday, March 30, 2025, by the organization’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The statement reads:
As Nigerian Muslims celebrate alongside millions across the globe marking the conclusion of the 2025 Ramadan season, our warmest wishes go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
As Ramadan is thought to begin with forgiveness, flourish in the middle with blessings, and conclude with liberation, we urge an end to all forms of oppression against Nigerian Muslims.
We argue that Nigerian Muslims have faced continuous subjugation from the time of the British invasion of the Sokoto Caliphate through Sultan Attahiru’s final battle in 1903. Based on current circumstances, this domination may persist unless these individuals receive full civil rights, which should encompass, among other measures, recognizing the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) as an official public holiday akin to how 1st January is observed annually.
We would like to highlight to the Federal Government that its role has significantly contributed to the ongoing oppression of Muslims in this nation due to its neglect in designating the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) as an official public holiday, similar to how 1st January is observed annually.
We insist on equality. The Hijrah holiday is an integral part of our God-given basic human rights. It’s disappointing that only some states have recognized the Hijrah holiday, while the federal government remains indecisive. How can the federal government grant a national holiday for Christians on January 1st but fail to do so for the Islamic holiday of 1st Muharram in most regions? Shouldn’t fairness apply universally? Is Nigeria solely considered a Christian nation?
Nigerian Muslims feel they are being regarded as a subjugated populace. It seems reminiscent of events from 1903, which serve as a stark reminder of past conquests. They perceive themselves as being treated as inferior citizens.
We call for equality and fairness. January 1 holds the same significance as the first day of Muharram when promoting interfaith harmony. Now is the perfect moment to address this issue. Given that over eight states have acknowledged the importance of the first day of Muharram and designated it as a public holiday, this strengthens our argument even at the federal level. Consequently, there’s no logical reason for a Muslim-Muslim ticket to hold back from freeing Nigerian Muslims who have endured prolonged religious discrimination.
FG might grasp MURIC’s perspective once it recognizes the prolonged nature of the challenge they face. In earlier times within this nation, Muslims were unable to attend ‘Id (Salah) prayers since the colonial administration didn’t recognize it as a holiday. As a result, Muslims had no choice but to go to work or school instead of observing their holy day.
There was a period when Maulud Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary) was not acknowledged, while the celebration of Jesus’ (Peace Be Upon Him) birthday had been recognized since the 1914 consolidation. Is this fair?
We have consistently had to fight for liberty step by step. We fought individually first for Id al-Kabir, then for Id al-Fitr, and subsequently for Maulid! Even now, we continue to struggle for 1st Muharram. When will freedom come? When?
Even though the British Christian colonial authorities who stripped the ‘subjugated’ Muslim population of all their civic freedoms departed in 1960 and 1963, subsequent Nigerian administrations have not managed to liberate the Muslims.
“We have reached our limit. We refuse to live under subjugation. The present government needs to grant freedom to the Muslim community. We insist that the upcoming 1st Muharram, 1447—corresponding to Friday, June 27, 2025—be declared a nationwide public holiday.”
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by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | activists, human rights, palestinians, politics, protests
On Sunday, anti-war demonstrators assembled at the US consulate in Admiralty to urge Washington to cease obstructing the pro-Palestinian movement during Israel’s U.S.-backed conflict in Gaza.
The organization — HK Anti-war Mobilization — informed HKFP on Sunday that the consulate contacted the police, who then proceeded to search and identify the five activists, cautioning them against potential violations of the national security law.
“Last week, Israel dismantled the ceasefire agreement by initially halting hostage exchanges, followed by cutting off water and power supplies to Gaza. They resumed bombing raids overnight on Tuesday (the 18th), resulting in the brutal deaths of 404 individuals,” stated the organization.
We gather here today to voice our solidarity with the liberation of Palestine and to show support for anti-war advocates around the globe who are facing violence, suppression, and censorship.
See also:
‘It’s mostly women and children’: Hong Kong surgeon speaks of treating wounded Palestinians in Gaza
Gaza’s Health Ministry
said
last week that over 50,000 people had been killed in the Palestinian territory since the latest conflict began in early October 2023. However, The Lancet medical journal has
said
The real number of deaths could be as much as 41 percent greater. A UN report states that most of the confirmed victims were females and kids.
The latest conflict
started
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants initiated an unexpected assault on Israel, resulting in at least 1,139 fatalities and approximately 250 individuals being taken hostage to Gaza. As a response, Israel declared its intention to dismantle Hamas completely and subsequently conducted extensive bombing raids across the Gaza Strip lasting over one year.
On last Tuesday, the ceasefire that had been effective since January 19 came to an end when Israel launched a new attack on Gaza. The country has called for the liberation of numerous hostages who remain within the conflict-ravaged area.
Outside the U.S. Consulate on Sunday, the protesters carried signs reading: “The West is complicit in Israel’s genocide” and “Scare fascists.”
The declaration continued: “Led by the United States, Western governments have turned a deaf ear to their own people’s concerns and have aided in the genocide of Palestinians, thereby supporting Israel’s racist and colonial objectives.”
Police search
The organization stated they weren’t shocked that law enforcement was summoned on Sunday. They added, “The U.S. administration is curtailing the pro-Palestinian activism as the U.S. backs Israel in carrying out the extermination of Palestinians.”
They said that the police “reminded us not to violate the national security law, not to contain any sedition content in our slogans, and not to cover our face under [the] face-covering regulation,” as they searched and took down the identity card details of the activists.
In response, the US consulate told HKFP on Monday that the five were blocking their driveway and it had to ensure the safety of its staff and facilities.
The demonstrators were positioned at the entrance to the consulate’s vehicle gate, presenting a potential hazard to both their own safety and that of the consulate personnel,” the statement read. “We completely endorse the right of individuals to demonstrate in a peaceful and secure manner. It is not uncommon for protests to take place close to the consulate.
A year ago, US Consul General Gregory May
said
He posted on Facebook that he backed the rights of demonstrators outside the embassy.
“We uphold basic liberties and human rights. Although I politely differ from these guests’ opinions, I completely endorse their right to demonstrate peaceably,” he stated.
On Monday, the police responded via email stating that they had “received a report around 2 pm on March 23 regarding five individuals holding a public gathering outside 26 Garden Road, Central.” When the police arrived, those present were advised to make sure their public event was carried out according to legal requirements.
Mahmoud Khalil detention
The five protesters were additionally urging for the release of student activist Mahmoud Khalil from U.S. custody.
Khalil, who is a long-term resident of the U.S. and serves as the chief mediator for Columbia University’s student protest advocating for Palestine, was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities on March 8 following directives from the State Department to cancel his visa.
“The arbitrary imprisonment of Khalil demonstrated that the U.S. does not concern itself with justice and liberty whatsoever,” stated HK Anti-war Mobilization.
“The U.S. government is intensifying efforts against the pro-Palestinian movement across all areas, as they worry that people might reveal the reality of the genocide,” the organization added.
“Ironically, the legislation used to arrest Khalil was the same one used by the US government in the 1950s to block Holocaust survivors in Eastern Europe from entering the US,” the protest group said.
See also:
Hongkongers show solidarity with Palestine amid Israel-Hamas war, but keep efforts low-key
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of penalties for students whom he alleges back Hamas or propagate anti-Jewish sentiment. However, detractors argue that Khalil’s detainment represents an unjust assault on freedom of expression.
Last year, the International Court of Justice — which serves as the main judicial organ of the United Nations — determined that Israel’s actions in Gaza might constitute genocide. However, Israel has refuted these allegations.
Last November, the UN-supported International Criminal Court announced arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Chief Yoav Gallant, along with a previous Hamas military leader, on charges related to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | human rights, humanitarian aid, humanitarianism, refugees, social welfare
Dhaka [
Bangladesh
On Monday, NGOs and United Nations organizations called upon the global community to contribute $934.5 million in order to assist 1.48 million individuals.
Rohingya
refugees accommodated in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char
Bangladesh
I accommodate communities in UKHIYA and TEKNAF.
“Under the guidance of the Leadership
Bangladesh
the government, the 2025-26 Combined Action Plan (CAP) for
Rohingya
“NGO and the United Nations issued a joint statement announcing the launch of the Humanitarian Crisis initiative on March 24, 2025,” they said.
The JRP is a two-year funding proposal that outlines the collective approach the humanitarian sector aims to take in addressing the identified and communicated requirements of those in need.
Rohingya
“while introducing more sustainable approaches for refugees and the host communities impacted.” It stated.
As the refugee crisis reaches its eighth year, the UN along with its partners urge the global community to broaden their assistance in tackling the most critical requirements.
Rohingya
refugees and
Bangladesh
The statement read, ‘Communities that are hosting them,’
Persistent strife in Myanmar, shrinking funds, and pressing worldwide emergencies highlight the urgent need for the global community to increase support.
Rohingya
Refugees, who stay in an unstable condition, completely reliant on humanitarian assistance, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The 2025-26 Combined Response Plan (CRP) for the
Rohingya
A Humanitarian Crisis has united 113 collaborators and is now being introduced simultaneously by IOM and
UNHCR
under the guidance of the
Bangladesh
Government.
According to the IOM, in its eighth year, the
Rohingya
The humanitarian crisis continues to receive limited attention from the global community, yet the needs remain pressing.
Over half of the individuals living in these camps are females, increasing their vulnerability to gender-based violence and exploitation; additionally, one out of every three people faces this heightened risk.
Rohingya
refugees in
Bangladesh
falls within the age range of 10 to 24 years old. According to IOM, without proper educational resources, sufficient skill development, and avenues for self-sufficiency, these individuals face an uncertain future with limited prospects. (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, healthcare and medicine, human rights, politics and government, social issues
By Senyo ADJABENG\xa0
In business literature, Human Resources (HR) is often portrayed as a strategic partner, a critical player in shaping organizational culture, driving employee engagement, and aligning workforce capabilities with business objectives.
The argument sounds convincing: Human Resources isn’t merely focused on payroll and compliance anymore; it’s become fundamental for an organization’s success. However, underneath this shiny exterior hides a less optimistic truth.
Despite the lofty theories and aspirational narratives, HR is frequently sidelined in executive decision-making, relegated to administrative tasks, and viewed as a cost center rather than a strategic asset.\xa0 This article delves into the sarcasm embedded in HR theory, exploring the gap between what is preached in Hr School as against what is practiced in organizations.
The Strategic HR Myth
For many years, the notion of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) has been a prominent topic within human resources literature. Pioneers like my esteemed mentor Dave Ulrich have advocated for the perspective that HR ought to serve as a strategic ally, playing an essential role in shaping and implementing corporate strategies (Ulrich, 1997).
The theory posits that HR professionals should sit at the executive table, influencing decisions on mergers, acquisitions, market expansions, and other critical business moves.\xa0 However, the reality often falls short of this ideal.
In practice, HR’s role in strategic decision-making is frequently limited.\xa0 A study by Kaufman (2015) found that while HR leaders are often involved in discussions about workforce planning and talent management, their influence wanes when it comes to broader business strategies.
The study revealed that only 34% of HR leaders were regularly included in high-level strategic meetings, and even fewer had a significant impact on the outcomes of those discussions.\xa0 This disconnect between theory and practice underscores the sarcasm in HR’s supposed strategic role.
A major factor behind HR’s restricted impact stems from its persistent connection to administrative duties. Even as efforts are made toward greater strategic alignment, these departments frequently find themselves preoccupied with routine activities such as handling payroll, administering benefits, ensuring compliance, and overseeing employee interactions.
These duties, though crucial, fail to significantly boost HR’s standing within the company. According to a Deloitte study from 2017, 60% of HR professionals dedicate most of their time to clerical work, which leaves minimal space for strategic activities.
The administrative strain is intensified due to the growing intricacy of labor laws and regulations, compelling HR departments to allocate substantial resources towards adherence. Consequently, HR tends to be seen more as a bureaucratic unit instead of a strategic ally, thereby solidifying its marginalization from high-level decision-making processes.
Once more, perception significantly influences where HR stands within organizations. Even with the attempts made by HR leaders to recast their department as strategic, numerous executives continue to see HR through a limited perspective. According to research conducted by Wright and Nishii in 2013, CEOs along with other high-ranking executives frequently
view HR as a supportive role instead of a central business component. This viewpoint stems from the traditional function of HR as a personnel department, concentrating on recruitment, termination, and maintaining staff documents. The issue with this perception is exacerbated by the insufficient understanding of finance among HR practitioners.
According to a report from the Harvard Business Review in 2018, merely 25% of HR leaders expressed confidence in understanding and interpreting financial documents or participating effectively in fiscal conversations. This deficiency in financial expertise hampers HR’s standing as a key strategic ally, complicating efforts for these leaders to secure positions among high-level executives.
The Power Dynamics
The distribution of authority inside businesses significantly contributes to the sidelining experienced by human resources departments. Often in numerous corporations, financial and operational divisions hold sway in upper management, where these sections’ heads have substantial impact on key choices. Conversely, HR tends to be perceived as an auxiliary unit, possessing minimal leverage to contest prevailing practices.
Pfeffer’s 2010 research underscored the disparity of power between human resources and other departments, observing that HR executives frequently find themselves sidelined from crucial decisions due to their insufficient political clout to sway results.
This power dynamic is exacerbated by the perception of HR as merely a cost center, where its funding and resources come under close examination and reduction when finances are tight.
One of the core tenets of HR theory is that HR should act as an advocate for employees, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed by the organization.\xa0 However, this role often puts HR in a difficult position, caught between the interests of employees and the demands of management.
A study by Guest and Conway (2011) found that HR professionals often struggle to balance their dual roles as employee advocates and organizational gatekeepers.\xa0 This tension can lead to a loss of trust among employees, who may see HR as being more aligned with management than with the workforce.
Meanwhile, executives might see HR as concentrating excessively on employees’ issues rather than prioritizing business goals. This paradoxical predicament exacerbates the challenges faced by HR in shaping high-level decisions.
How HR Can Actually Secure a Spot at the C-Suite Table
The desire for HR to gain recognition as a strategic ally and earn a place at the top management table isn’t recent. Yet, realizing this ambition necessitates more than mere talk or abstract models; it calls for a concrete, systematic, and comprehensive strategy to transform HR into an essential catalyst for business achievement.
Even with these difficulties, HR has actions available to boost its strategic importance and earn a spot at the executive level. A major emphasis should be placed on improving financial understanding amongst HR practitioners.
By improving their grasp of financial statements, budgeting, and cost management, HR leaders can communicate in the language of business and play a more effective role in strategic conversations.
Another important step is to leverage data and analytics to demonstrate HR’s impact on business outcomes.\xa0 By using metrics such as employee engagement scores, turnover rates, and productivity data, HR can make a compelling case for its role in driving organizational performance.
According to a study conducted by Bersin in 2016, organizations with robust HR analytics capabilities were two and a half times more probable to have their HR leaders engaged in making strategic decisions.
Human Resources needs to focus on strengthening ties with departments like finance and operations. Through closer collaboration with these teams, HR can develop a clearer insight into company objectives and ensure that its programs support overall strategic aims.
Such interdisciplinary teamwork can aid in dismantling departmental barriers and establish HR as an essential part of upper management. HR should transition from merely responding to issues to proactively foreseeing and tackling organizational requirements.
Achieving this involves synchronizing HR tactics with the company’s overarching purpose, aspirations, and key strategic directions. It is essential for HR executives to engage proactively in conversations about corporate strategy so they can grasp the organization’s objectives, hurdles, and potential areas for growth.
This enables HR to tailor its initiatives to support these objectives.\xa0 HR must identify areas where it can create the most value for the organization.
HR Must Think Like a CEO
To gain credibility in the C-suite, HR leaders should think beyond their function and consider the broader business implications of their decisions. This includes understanding market trends, customer needs, and competitive pressures.\xa0 HR must demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of its initiatives.
This involves transitioning from perceiving HR as merely a cost center to recognizing it as a contributor of value. It is essential for HR to showcase success stories that underscore its impact on business results. Additionally, HR needs to embrace calculated risks and innovation, which illustrates their strategic thinking and capacity to instigate transformation.
Ultimately, HR executives should take proactive steps to secure a place in the C-suite. This requires addressing traditional biases and showcasing HR’s contributions to the company. It also entails developing ongoing connections with influential mentors or advocates within the C-suite who can champion HR’s involvement in key strategy talks.
Altering perspectives requires patience, yet perseverance leads to success. Therefore, HR needs to consistently showcase its worth and strive for a prominent position at decision-making tables.
Gaining a spot in the C-suite isn’t straightforward for HR professionals, yet it’s attainable through effective strategies. Once HR manages to secure a seat at the executive table, it enhances both its own function and supports the broader organizational goals over time.
For Further Reading…
-
Bersin, J. (2016).
The Part Played by Human Resources Analytics in Shaping Strategic Choices
. Deloitte University Press.
-
Harvard Business Review. (2018). The Disparity in Financial Literacy within Human Resources. Harvard Business Publishing.
-
Pfeffer, J. (2010).
Influence: Why Certain Individuals Possess It While Others Do Not
’
t
. HarperBusiness.
-
Ulrich, D. (1997).
Human Resource Champions: The Next Agenda for Adding Value and Delivering Results
. Harvard Business School Press.
-
Wright, P. M., and Nishiumi, L. H. (2013).
Strategic Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior: Combining Various Analytical Levels
Cornell University’s ILR School.
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