The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has awarded the ‘Talkam Human Rights App’ for its accurate reporting of human rights abuses in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement by Chiamaka Ikwueze, Devatop Centre for Africa Development’s spokesman, the app’s developer, on Friday in Abuja.

The app, an innovative initiative by the Devatop Centre for Africa Development, is designed to combat human trafficking, cybercrime, sextortion, gender-based violence, and child abuse.

Its goal is to foster accountability and civic engagement by raising awareness, promoting human rights, and empowering citizens, agencies, and organisations to act against all human rights violations.

The app enables citizens to report human rights abuses anonymously, connect with support services, and access real-time educational resources about their rights.

It has become a crucial tool for amplifying the voices of abuse survivors and providing them with the necessary resources for protection.

Mr Ikwueze revealed that the Talkam Human Rights App received the prestigious recognition on November 26, during the 10th UNAOC Global Forum held in Cascais, Portugal.

He said the event was in partnership with the BMW Group and supported by Accenture DACH.

Mr Ikwueze said the app was one of 10 recipients of the 2024 Intercultural Innovation Hub award, and the honour was received by Joseph Osuigwe, executive director of the Devatop Centre for Africa Development.

“The impact of ‘Talkam App’ is felt deeply across communities in Nigeria and beyond. Over the years, the app has empowered thousands of individuals to voice their experiences and seek support,” said Mr Ikwueze.

She highlighted that survivors of abuse have found hope and protection through the app’s connections with organisations like the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The app also partnered with the Network of Civil Societies Against Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), further extending its support to those in need.

“Additionally, the app’s online course feature has become a key educational resource, disseminating vital information on human rights to underserved populations and equipping citizens with knowledge to advocate for justice and equity in their communities.

“The Talkam Human Rights App has also strengthened collaboration among stakeholders in addressing systemic human rights issues. It is supported by the U.S. Mission Nigeria, USAID, The Freedom Fund, and Palladium Group,” said Mr Ikwueze.

Mr Ikwueze urged all Nigerians to download the app from the Play Store to help reduce the prevalence of human rights abuses in the country.

(NAN)