By Angela Atabo
Amnesty International Nigeria has unveiled a report titled , “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria” to engage government, governors on peaceful coexistence in the South-East.
The report highlighted widespread human rights violations like ;unlawful killings and attacks perpetrated over the last 10 years in the South-East region of Nigeria.
Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Amnesty International Nigeria, made this known during the launch of the report on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said the report detailed the organisation’s findings and concerns regarding human rights violations and abuses in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.
According to him, it is a testament to the commitment of Amnesty International to hold people who violate and abuse human rights accountable and to advocate for justice and dignity for all.
“Amnesty International has been documenting the issues in the South-East since the violent crackdown on pro-Biafra activists started in 2015.
“In November 2016, we published a report on the situation in the South-East, especially the violent crackdown on pro-Biafra activists.
“This present report is a follow-up to that report and we hope this will be the last as the report will give the authorities sufficient information to end the crisis,”he said
Rafsanjani explained that the goal of Amnesty International in documenting these human rights issues was to ensure that the government protects lives and properties, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trials.
“Amnesty International is a global movement of more than ten million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
“We are committed to justice, equality, and freedom. Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.”
According to Rafsanjani,Amnesty International is independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest, or religion.
He said the Movement’s only interest is in achieving human rights for all and ensure that lives are protected, everywhere in the world.
He cautioned that the responsibility for protecting lives should be taken seriously.
Rafsanjani encouraged Nigerians to read the report.
“We hope this report will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting action from governments, organisations, and individuals to address the issues highlighted and work towards a world where human rights are truly enjoyed by all in South-East Nigeria,” he said(NAN)
