National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has flagged off a two-day training on mainstreaming human rights, humanitarian principles and civilian protection into counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.
Flagging the training off at Summit Conference Hotel in Damaturu, Yobe State , the Executive Secretary, NHRC, represented by Asst. Director, Investigation and Monitoring, Mr. Iheme Richmond, said the training was aimed at brainstorming with the military on civilian protection.
His words: “This training is aimed at improving the knowledge of the military on human rights, humanitarian principles and civilian protection in the course of counter-insurgency operations.“There were outcries of military abuse of human rights in the course of their operation ranging from extra-judicial killings, prolonged detention without trial, sexual exploitation, among others. So we are
partnering with UNHCR to ensure integration of human rights standards and humanitarian considerations in the military operations to reduce the incidents.
“The allegations will be investigated and perpertrators held accountable.”
Also, the Head of UNHCR field office in Yobe, Gabriel Idoko, said that the training was also to interact with the military to know whether some of the insurgents live among the populace therefore should make
every effort to protect the civilians.
“We want to remain the military that the civilians have right and
their dignity must be preserved, as doing so will reduce casualty level and reduce consequences of internal displacements”.
About 50 frontline military including police officers are attending
the training.