The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has reviewed the gender and human rights response framework in Ebonyi State as part of efforts to strengthen the protection of vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV (PLHIV), and improve access to justice for victims of rights violations.
Stakeholders Meeting
The review took place during a five-day stakeholders’ meeting organised by NACA in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA). Speaking at the end of the programme, Assistant Chief Programme Officer in the Community Prevention Department of NACA, Mrs. Favour Iyamu-Obi, explained that the exercise was aimed at assessing the functionality and effectiveness of the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team in Ebonyi State.
She added that the assessment became necessary to evaluate the team’s achievements, identify existing gaps, challenges, and strengthen its capacity to address human rights violations affecting people living with HIV, key populations and other vulnerable groups.
Capacity Building
Iyamu-Obi said that participants were taken through capacity-building sessions designed to refresh their understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the response team. “We have been able to assess the functionality of the team, identify gaps and challenges, and develop action plans for key thematic areas, including access to justice, stigma and discrimination, and the provision of non-discriminatory services,” she said.
Iyamu-Obi added that NACA would return later in the year to evaluate the implementation of the action plans developed during the meeting.
Critical Intervention
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Prince Chibueze Andrew Iteshi, described the programme as a critical intervention aimed at enhancing the state’s response to gender and human rights issues. He noted that the self-assessment exercise brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government ministries, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organisations, community-based groups, development partners and the media.
According to Iteshi, protecting human rights requires a coordinated approach involving all relevant actors in society. He said the state’s Gender and Human Rights Response Team was established to address rights violations, particularly those affecting people living with HIV, and called for increased funding to support institutions responsible for promoting and protecting human rights.
“Whenever a person’s rights are violated, especially people living with HIV, such individuals may experience stigma, discrimination and even depression. This is why all relevant agencies must be adequately supported to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he said.
He appealed to both federal and state governments to prioritise budgetary allocations for human rights-related interventions, stressing that effective protection mechanisms would help preserve the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable citizens.
Religious Leaders' Commitment
Representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ebonyi State, the Vice Chairman of the association, Rev. Dr. Ambassador Joseph Nwibo, said the workshop had provided participants with valuable knowledge that would assist religious leaders in combating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. He pledged to step down the lessons learned during the programme to church leaders across the state and urged faith-based organisations to support efforts aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of affected persons.
Nwibo also called on government and development partners to sustain support for HIV response programmes and ensure that victims of discrimination receive adequate protection.
Traditional Rulers' Role
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Agalegu Ishieke Autonomous Community in Ebonyi Local Government Area, HRH Eze Paul Ogodo Egbe, commended the organisers for bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors to address gender and human rights concerns. He said the programme had enhanced participants’ understanding of human rights issues and would help traditional institutions respond more effectively to complaints of discrimination and rights abuses within their communities.
The Monarch pledged that traditional rulers would continue to sensitise community members on their rights and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure justice for victims of abuse.
The workshop also featured presentations and discussions on rights-based approaches to law enforcement, legal literacy, access to justice and strategies for reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and other vulnerable populations.
