The Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal matters Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele says the National Assembly has always been at the forefront of championing any course that seeks to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission, for the performance of its statutory functions/duties in line with the principles of social justice, equity and fairness to the entire citizenry.  

The Senator said this at the opening ceremony of Public Hearing on the Bill that seeks to repeal and re-enact the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2010 (as amended) in Abuja.

“With the benefit of hindsight, the National Assembly, being conscious of the strategic roles of the Commission, and as a direct response to the global call for repositioning of the Commission, amended the National Human Rights Commission Act in the year 2010, and streamlined its provisions in line with the Paris Principles, adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Commission Resolution of 1992/54 and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 48/134 of 20 December, 1993”.

The Senator said that the Bill, in a nutshell, seeks to repeal and re-enact the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2010 (as amended).  

“The purpose behind this legislative proposal is to, among other things, reposition and streamline the institutional framework of the Commission by strengthening its capacity to conduct investigations on human rights issues, as well as expand the scope of the Commission’s operation, generally”.

 Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele explained further that 

“In the same vein, specific provisions were made in the Bill to provide for the establishment of the National Human Rights Fund in the National Budget and as well provide effective means of sustaining contribution to the Fund, whereby non-governmental organisations and multi-national corporations are expected to make remittances, accordingly”. 

 Ekiti Central Senator said the initiative for providing for the Fund is in line with global best practices, as it relates to human rights institutions worldwide 

“The Fund, no doubt, would facilitate unhindered and seamless discharge of the statutory functions of the Commission in line with the Paris Principles”. 

“This is important in view of the rising spate of insecurity, sexual and gender-based violence and other unforeseen human rights violations in the country, which cannot be contemplated and adequately budgeted for, during consideration of annual Budgets”.