By Chinedum Treasure
Victims of human rights abuses in Nigeria’s South-East have received renewed hope following the launch of the Southeast Human Rights Bureau by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC).
The Bureau, unveiled in Enugu with support from the Ford Foundation, is designed to document human rights violations, support victims, promote accountability and strengthen collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and civil society organisations.
Speaking at the launch, RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the initiative would complement existing institutions through credible documentation, advocacy and strategic legal interventions.
He also unveiled an Open-Source Reporting Platform to enable secure reporting and preservation of evidence of rights violations.
Nwanguma disclosed that RULAAC is consulting lawyers and human rights defenders on a proposed class action for victims of the notorious Tiger Base, aimed at securing justice and ending impunity.
Chairman of the occasion, Very Rev. Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, described the Bureau as a timely intervention to strengthen the rule of law and urged participants to remain committed to protecting citizens’ rights.
Representatives of the Ford Foundation, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Correctional Service and Amnesty International Nigeria pledged support for the initiative, stressing that respect for human rights is essential for lasting peace and effective security.
The event also featured the training of human rights defenders from the five South-East states to improve documentation, early warning and response to human rights abuses.
Tags: RULAAC, Human Rights, South East Nigeria, Rule of Law, Amnesty International
