Matthias Schmale, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, says granting remedy to people whose rights were violated signifies justice.

Mr Schmale said this while speaking at an event on litigating human rights in Nigeria organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

He said the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)75 years ago aimed at giving everyone an effective remedy when a right is violated or injured.

The UN official stated, “Granting remedy to everyone injured signifies justice and redress when right is violated. We need to guide and protect the different remedies provided for in the 1999 constitution as amended and under the regional and international human rights instruments.

“In international and regional levels, there are provisions of remedies such as early release from prison, legislative changes, assistance in buying drugs or provision of housing. Do something, no matter how small. It will go a long way to address injustice. We see where a public apology was given to families who suffered injuries.”

He said UDHR represents the universal recognition that basic rights and fundamental freedoms are inherent to all human beings, inalienable and equally applicable to everyone.

He added, “Every one of us is born free and equal in dignity and rights. Article 8 of the UDHR outlines the right to effective remedy (repair) a person’s right to seek justice and remedy if their rights have been violated. Effective remedy can take many forms, including (but not limited to) financial or other compensation. Changing laws or procedures.”

He cited the national apology by the Australian government in 2008.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on February 13, 2008, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologised on the Australian Parliament’s behalf to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Between 1910 and 1970, thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families and communities by churches, welfare organisations and governments.

It is estimated that some indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and fostered or adopted by non-Indigenous families or raised in institutions. These children are known as the ‘stolen generations’.

Mr Schmale said this National apology may seem small or simple, but it goes a long way to address injuries suffered by the affected families. He further cited the Kenyan reconciliation committee of 2008.

(NAN)