The African Law Foundation (AFRILAW) on Thursday trained some 30 human rights defenders and civil society organisations in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The training centred on protecting human rights, ensuring corporate accountability, and promoting responsible business conduct in the extractive sector.
Key Highlights
- AFRILAW trains about 30 human rights defenders and civil society groups in Yenagoa on extractive-sector accountability.
- Executive Director Chinweike Okereke says defenders are defined by peaceful action, not titles, and cautions against tactics like road-blocking.
- NHRC reaffirms its commitment to addressing environmental degradation, pollution and displacement linked to extractive activities.
- Stakeholders are urged to report violations physically, in writing, or via the online H-RIGHT platform.
- Legal expert Mrs Wisdom Friday introduces participants to the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI), a framework established in 2000.
- Workshop organised with the Zero Tolerance Initiative, Voluntary Principles Initiative and True Cost Initiative, with NHRC support.
Defenders Urged to Keep Advocacy Peaceful
Speaking at the ceremony, AFRILAW Executive Director Chinweike Okereke emphasised that human rights defenders are defined by their peaceful actions rather than their titles. He cautioned participants that legitimate advocacy must remain non-violent, noting that actions such as blocking roads infringe on the rights of others.
Okereke also highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration between defenders and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
NHRC Reaffirms Commitment on Environmental Abuses
Representing NHRC Executive Secretary Chief Anthony Ojukwu, SAN, Dr Eugene Bado, the Bayelsa State Coordinator, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to addressing environmental degradation, pollution, and displacement caused by extractive activities.
He urged stakeholders to report violations physically, in writing, or via the online H-RIGHT platform. Bado noted that the NHRC investigates land and environmental abuses — including oil spills and illegal dredging — and resolves disputes through mediation or panels of inquiry.
Read also:
- Public Outcry Greets Fresh Oil spill At Nembe Creek in Bayelsa
- Bayelsa Oil Spill Investigation: Azuzuama Community Rejects Oando’s Spill Findings, Demands Fresh Probe
Participants Introduced to Voluntary Principles Framework
Additionally, legal expert Mrs Wisdom Friday introduced participants to the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI), an international security and human rights framework established in 2000.
Friday urged defenders to assess operational risks and called on companies and governments to treat peaceful advocates as early-warning indicators rather than security threats, helping to curb judicial harassment and attacks.
Workshop Organised With Partner Initiatives
Organised alongside the Zero Tolerance Initiative, Voluntary Principles Initiative, and True Cost Initiative — with support from the NHRC — the workshop aimed to boost access to justice and foster collaboration across Niger Delta host communities.
