By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant stride toward the promotion of social justice and restoration of human dignity, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, has launched an empowerment programme targeted at indigent survivors of human rights violations.
The event, held in Abuja, was attended by key dignitaries including the Taiwanese Ambassador to Nigeria, members of civil society, development partners, directors of the NHRC, media professionals, and most notably, survivors of human rights abuses.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, described the programme as a milestone in the Commission’s commitment to not only acknowledge the pain of victims but to offer them tangible support that fosters dignity and opportunity.
“Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone in our journey toward social justice, inclusion, and empowerment,” he said. “This programme is more than the donation of economic resources it is a symbol of hope and restoration. It tells each survivor here: your dignity is not lost, your future can be rebuilt.”
Dr. Ojukwu emphasized that the NHRC’s statutory mandate includes not only the protection and promotion of human rights but also direct support to victims, including legal aid, psychosocial services, and economic empowerment.
He hailed the collaboration with the Taipei Trade Office as a model of effective international cooperation, lauding the office’s unwavering support in helping vulnerable Nigerians rebuild their lives.
“Advancing human rights is not the task of one institution alone. Our partnership with the Taipei Trade Office is a shining example of how global solidarity can lead to impactful local actions,” Ojukwu stated.
The programme provided business tools and economic resources to the survivors, aimed at supporting them in either starting new ventures or strengthening existing livelihoods. Dr. Ojukwu reiterated the Commission’s commitment to monitoring the progress of beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the initiative.
In an interview with Media360Impact, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, representative of the Head of Mission of the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, expressed his delegation’s deep commitment to supporting human dignity and uplifting vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
“We believe in empowering people, not just with words, but with tools to rebuild their lives,” Liu said. “This partnership with NHRC reflects our shared values of compassion, inclusion, and human rights. We are proud to stand with these survivors as they take bold steps toward economic independence and healing.”
To the survivors, Dr. Ojukwu offered heartfelt reassurance: “Your courage is celebrated, and your strength is honoured. This is a stepping stone, not a destination.”
He concluded with a passionate call to build a nation where justice is accessible, human dignity is non-negotiable, and no one is left behind.
The empowerment initiative stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through multi-sectoral collaboration, and the NHRC pledged to continue expanding such partnerships in the service of humanity.
