The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for periodic interface with law enforcement agencies to reduce cases of human rights abuse in the country.

Adamu Halilu, the NHRC liaison officer to law enforcement agencies, said this at the human rights coordination meeting attended by representatives of law enforcement agencies in the country on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Halilu said that the commission had attained a grade A status in the global rating for its independence in ensuring the dignity and protection of human rights.

He said that the rating was from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

He said that the recognition of the commission’s independence was an indication that it was doing well in the protection of human rights in Nigeria.

Mr Halilu said the position was achieved as a result of years of doggedness in ensuring justice for human rights violations, saying that the commission would sustain the feat.

“We shall continue to uphold the rights and dignity of persons as a commission and we will like to sustain collaboration with our partners,” he said.

He said that the major challenge of the commission was the attitude of law enforcement agencies not to protect the dignity and rights of citizens.

“The law enforcement agencies operate on behalf of the state, and they are the foremost human rights defenders, not the human rights commission,” he said.

He advised law enforcement agencies to change their impression that their rights had not been prioritised by the commission.

He said that the commission was working to ensure that, irrespective of status, all Nigerians were treated with dignity.

He cautioned the police against overstretching their position while handling crimes and other cases involving civilians.

“So regardless of status or position, the commission is ready and always willing to take on the side of justice,” he said.

(NAN)