Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria

The IIDN Environmental Action Grants Program 2022 / March 26, 2022 by Chiamaka Mogo

As Nigerians and as beneficiaries of the environmental ecosystem, there is a responsibility to strive to protect the environment in which we inhabit.

Are you a youth-led organization in Nigeria that focuses on any aspect of environmental protection in Nigeria? Is your organization working on a project to be completed between July 2022 and November 2022? Will any financial support go a long way in the work that is to be accomplished? If yes, the IIDN Environmental Action Grants Program may be a good fit!

There will be three grants awarded: Each recipient will receive N50,000. Please note that Grants’ recipients must agree to report on impacts/outcomes to IIDN at the conclusion of the sponsored project.

To enter into the Grants Program:

1.) Please submit a proposal (one-and-half page, maximum) that will inform IIDN about why your project deserves support. The proposal should include:

Background information about your organization. For example, vision/mission/objectives, past activities/projects, and any social media or website links.
Description of the proposed or current project for which the organization wants financial support. Ensure to be specific and explain why it is important to the environment and the community and what the intended results are.
Expected completion date of your project. (*Entries are for projects that will be completed between July 2022 and November 2022.)
Your agreement to record impacts/outcomes and report this to IIDN by the end of November 2022.

Where applicable, please include the Certificate of Incorporation of your organization.

The Grants Program will be open for submissions from March 26, 2022 to April 30, 2022 (11:59pm).

Submissions are to be sent by email to info@iidnigeria.org with the Subject line stating: “(Name of your organization) – Environmental Action Grants Program”

IIDN interviews Dame Julie Okah-Donli on human trafficking prevention and response strategies for Nigeria / May 21, 2021 by Chiamaka Mogo

By: Chiamaka Mogo

Julie Okah-Donli 1.jpeg — Dame Julie Okah-Donli

“As at 2020, we had 8,027 reported cases of human trafficking, 423 convictions and over 15, 000 rescued victims, 404 reported cases of sexual and gender based violence and 29 convictions.”
*(Photo supplied by Dame Julie Okah-Donli)*

Dame Julie Okah-Donli is a former Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). She is the Chair, Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking (UNVTF). In addition, she is the Founder of the Roost Foundation.

This interview between the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) and Dame Julie Okah-Donli focuses on the issue of human trafficking of Nigerians, the kinds of support that victims need and some preventive measures:

Who is Dame Julie Okah-Donli?

I am a mother, lawyer, author, human rights activist, philanthropist, gender equality crusader, current chairperson, Board of Trustees, United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and the Executive Chairman of Roost Foundation.

As a teenager, I read many books that piqued my interest on the issues of gender discrimination and social vices in the society. This fueled my active participation in literary clubs and associations that aligned with my vision of contributing my quota to the development of the society and subsequently, paving the way for girls and women to reach out for the sky which is where we all belong.

What does your role as Chair, Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking entail?

The Voluntary Trust Fund is meant to provide humanitarian support, direct assistance, essential services and business empowerment for victims of trafficking in persons worldwide. Basically, my role as Board Chair is to initiate strategies that will increase the Trust Fund and ensure that the Fund is evenly distributed to victims in dire need of it and also to monitor and ensure proper utilization of the funds by the beneficiary non-governmental organizations and initiate strategies that will improve the lives of victims. The UNVTF offers me a global platform to fulfil my passion of providing legal, humanitarian and financial support to victims of human trafficking.

Based on your years of experience in the anti-trafficking sector, kindly share some statistics on the rates of trafficking of Nigerian citizens.

Because of the culture of silence, statistics on human trafficking, sexual and gender based violence is not completely accurate. I mentioned sexual and gender based violence because this is a vital component of human trafficking. As at 2020, we had 8, 027 reported cases of human trafficking, 423 convictions and over 15, 000 rescued victims, 404 reported cases of sexual and gender based violence and 29 convictions.

What gender is the most common target of traffickers?

Every gender is a target of human traffickers especially with the increase in sports trafficking and organ harvesting. However, statistics have shown that women and girls are more vulnerable to human trafficking.

What age group is the most common target of traffickers?

Every one irrespective of age can be trafficked for domestic and/or sexual exploitation. Children and adults are trafficked for domestic purposes, organ harvesting or totally sold as slaves. The rate of trafficking among aged people may not be too high but that does not mean they also do not get trafficked.

How can trafficking be reduced and prevented?

Preventing and tackling human trafficking requires a holistic approach and this means that we must start by addressing the root causes of the problem before moving to other aspects of the menace. The root causes of human trafficking include ignorance, greed, poverty, illiteracy, etc. There is the need for massive and sustainable awareness campaigns to address ignorance on the part of victims who think that leaving their countries automatically guarantees success. Also, more jobs and free/subsidized skill acquisition centers should be created so that the number of idle and vulnerable people in the country will be reduced. There should also be subsidized education opportunities. Traffickers and anyone guilty of child abuse should be legally prosecuted. To win this war, all hands must be on deck, therefore, there is the need for synergy between NAPTIP, law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organisations involved in tackling the scourge of human trafficking.

How does the Foundation ensure the effectiveness of its programmes that are aimed at supporting victims of gender-based violence?

Having performed excellently well as the Director General of NAPTIP and in my current capacity as the Chairperson of the UNVTF, ensuring effectiveness of programmes is a familiar terrain for me. Also, at Roost Foundation, we have a team of professional, seasoned, dedicated and highly experienced members of the Board of Trustees members drawn from different fields who leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our programmes are not just effective but also impactful and sustainable.

We have a monitoring policy and dedicated team members who verify the authenticity of victims and also go an extra mile to ensure that whatever support they get, be it legal, medical, humanitarian, skill acquisition etc. is properly utilized. We shall also monitor the progress of victims who receive business startup capital, as well as, offer periodic entrepreneurship trainings to enable them perform better at their businesses.

How can people contact the Roost Foundation?

You can call us on +2349070343838 or +2348037830683.

You can also send a mail to info@roostfoundation.org or roostfoundation@gmail.com.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Pb44DqIZR_aCXXK9deLzQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roostfoundation/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoostFoundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roostfoundation

For more information, visit our website at www.roostfoundation.org

About the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN)

IIDN is a registered, non-governmental organization. We promote social cohesion and sustainable development in Nigeria, through our educational, capacity-building and awareness-raising efforts. Our vision is to foster a nation where all Nigerians are committed to mutual respect, equity and the sustainable use of our nation’s many resources. Learn more: http://www.iidnigeria.org

IIDN Interviews Franz Celestin, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration Nigeria / November 30, 2020 by Chiamaka Mogo

By: Chiamaka Mogo

FCelestin.jfif.jpg — Franz Celestin

“IOM’s work recognizes the link between migration, socio-economic and cultural development, as well as, the right of freedom of movement.”
*(Photo supplied by Franz Celestin)*

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the United Nations Migration Agency. The IOM branch in Nigeria is led by Chief of Mission Franz Celestin. This interview between the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) and the Chief of Mission, touches on actions being taken to enable the well-being of Nigerian migrants, including returnees and internally displaced persons:

Who is Franz Celestin?

I am the Chief of Mission of IOM Nigeria, where, I oversee IOM’s activities throughout the country. Before assuming the Chief of Mission position, I was the Deputy Chief of Mission and Regional Program Manager of the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM West Africa) at IOM Nigeria.

I joined the IOM Regional Office for North America and the Caribbean in 2006 in Washington, DC, where, I coordinated IOM’s activities throughout the Caribbean. I have experience working in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, among others.

Please briefly describe the mandates of IOM Nigeria.

IOM works to support the Federal Government of Nigeria to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. IOM’s work recognizes the link between migration, socio-economic and cultural development, as well as, the right of freedom of movement. IOM’s activities that cut across migration management include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants’ rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration.

What strategies have the organization applied to execute those mandates?

IOM Nigeria works closely with all relevant stakeholders as far as its mandate is concerned and these include Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), donor counterparts, the private sector, United Nations Agencies and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs).

Migration is recognised as a social determinant of health. Can you discuss IOM Nigeria's migrant health assistance processes?

Migration health assessments are among the most well-established migration management services offered by IOM. At the request of receiving country governments, IOM provides an evaluation of the physical and mental health status of migrants prior to their departure for the purpose of resettlement, international employment, enrolment in specific migrant assistance programmes, or for obtaining a temporary or permanent visa.

Reflecting national differences in immigration and public policies and practices, there is a diverse range of health assessment requirements among receiving countries. These requirements may be specific to certain diseases of public health concern such as tuberculosis, as is the case with the United Kingdom Tuberculosis Detection Programme; requirements may also be more general in nature, or include additional interventions, such as vaccinations. But despite differences in health assessment requirements among countries, one thing remains constant: the need to ensure that the migration process does not endanger the health of either the migrant or host communities.

What kinds of impacts have the COVID-19 pandemic had on the work of IOM Nigeria, with regards to facilitating the return of migrants and also, survivors of trafficking?

The pandemic has increased the vulnerability of victims of trafficking and returnees, due to the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. IOM is working to support vulnerable communities build back better.

How can people stay updated on the work of IOM Nigeria?

IOM has solid media presence on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on the IOM Website.

About the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN)

Interview: Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, on promoting human rights in Nigeria and during a pandemic / May 22, 2020 by Chiamaka Mogo

By: Chiamaka Mogo

Osai Ojigho

“We maintain that COVID-19 cannot be used as an excuse for rights violations. We issued a statement that called on not only the government of Nigeria but the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa to take urgent action to prevent the spread of Coronavirus by releasing prisoners of conscience, reviewing cases of pre-trial detention, and guaranteeing access to healthcare and sanitation products in all facilities.”
*(Photo supplied by Osai Ojigho)*

Osai Ojigho joined Amnesty International Nigeria as the Country Director, in the year 2017. She is a lawyer with significant experience in advocating for human rights in Nigeria and across Africa. In this interview with IIDN, we discuss the strategies of Amnesty International Nigeria, pressing human rights issues and the organization’s readiness to address human rights violations during this COVID-19 pandemic. Please read below:

Who is Osai Ojigho?

I am a lawyer, human rights expert and gender equality advocate. Currently, I am the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. Prior to joining Amnesty International, I served as Oxfam International’s Pan-Africa Programme Manager, Coalition Coordinator, SOTU (State of the Union) Coalition, human rights observer to the African Union Mission to Mali and the Sahel and Deputy Executive Director of Alliances for Africa. I have many years’ experience leading projects relating to gender, human rights, access to justice, governance, and development. My aim is to build a supporter base which works from the bottom up to build a culture of respect for human rights in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. I am a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a life member of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU). I am also a consulting editor with Open Global Rights and a mentor to Mandela Washington Fellows. I also sit on the Global Advisory Council of Institute For African Women In Law (IAWL). I hold a Law degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and a Masters’ in Law degree from the University of Wolverhampton, UK.

Twitter: @livingtruely

How would you define "Human rights"?

Human right is premised on equality. It is the respect and protection of the dignity of everyone regardless of socio-economic or political classifications.

What strategies does Amnesty International Nigeria apply to promote the human rights of Nigerians?

Amnesty International as a movement has over the years adopted a three prong approach in the defense of human rights. Firstly, we identify, Investigate and document human rights violations where ever and whenever they occur. We then present the evidence to the authorities and powerful groups in the form of a written report, video documentary or artistic expressions. The aim is to hold power to account using verifiable evidence in the demand for justice. The final step is to mobilize for action. We are a global movement of over 7 million people who take injustice personally. In the strength of our numbers we put public pressure on the government through targeted campaigns, human rights education and the media to ensure that our recommendations are fulfilled.

Are there particular issues of human rights violations that continue to manifest in the Nigerian society?

Definitely. There are a number of human rights violations that remain prevalent despite concerted efforts by civil society organisations as ours. The most predominant cases in Nigeria are extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, forced evictions, sexual and gender-based violence and the clamping down on freedom of expression or speech.

In 2019, we declared Omoyele Sowore, Agba Jalingo and Olawale Bakare, Prisoners of Conscience. They were held in prison by the government for simply expressing their rights to freedom of expression. Today, they have all been released on bail and we continue to call on the government to drop all trumped up charges against them. We also played an active role in the coalition of civil society groups that called the government to set up a Special Investigative Panel on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to bring justice to survivors of the Abuja Raid incidents that occurred in April 2019. SGBV is emblematic of the continued violation women face in Nigeria. In this particular instance women were specifically targeted, harassed, assaulted and arrested for simply being at public relaxation spots.

We have experienced some victories in the fight for human rights in Nigeria but we still have a long way ahead.

Please share any instance(s) where the actions of Amnesty International Nigeria were linked to the end of a human rights issue?

In 2012, the Mpape community in Abuja were on threat of forced evictions by the Federal Capital Development Authority. The government alleged that the Mpape community had settled illegally and informally in the land they occupied and was planning demolition of structures on the land. Amnesty International joined the community to campaign against the planned demolitions as a threat to carry out forced evictions. The Mpape community petitioned to the court seeking protection of their right to housing. A few days to judgment day in the High Court of Abuja on Thursday 2 February 2017, Amnesty Nigeria organized a solidarity event in Mpape to encourage residents to turn up in court for the judgment. The community appeared in court in large numbers. The court gave judgment to support the community ordering the government to stop all demolitions as their actions was not in compliance with international human rights obligations. The community are living peacefully to date.

In 2014 as part of our annual write for rights campaign, Amnesty International campaigned for Moses Akatugba who was 16 years old when he was tortured to confess to stealing mobile phones and sentenced to death. In the first place, Nigerian law does not permit confessions obtained through torture as evidence. Secondly, Moses was not an adult and even if convicted cannot be sentenced to death. On 28 May 2015, the governor of Delta state granted him a full pardon.

In which ways are Amnesty International Nigeria currently assisting or planning to assist, to curb human rights abuses amidst COVID-19?

We have been very vocal in condemning the disturbing human rights violations that have occurred during this difficult time. We maintain that COVID-19 cannot be used as an excuse for rights violations. We issued a statement that called on the not only the government of Nigeria but the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa to take urgent action to prevent the spread of Coronavirus by releasing prisoners of conscience, reviewing cases of pre-trial detention, and guaranteeing access to healthcare and sanitation products in all facilities. We have also called for protection for health care professionals and essential service workers including the provision of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in order for them to carry out their tasks safely.

Haven seen the spike in domestic based violence since the government instituted lockdown; we also called on the government to classify as essential workers, social workers, women’s rights groups and providers who work with victims of domestic violence and SGBV so they can provide the much needed support to people in desperate situations. This includes providing passes for them to move during lockdown and curfews.

Most troubling are the reckless actions of some security agents which have resulted in the death of at least 19 people in Nigeria according to the latest report by National Human Rights Commission. Amnesty International has strongly condemned these actions and has called on the authorities to ensure that these cases are independently and transparently investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice.

The cause we have chosen is a based on our commitment to the right to dignity of every person. As Peter Benenson, the founder of Amnesty International, once said – “Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done”.

How can people contact Amnesty International Nigeria?

Email: info@amnesty.org.ng

Phone: 0909 086 6666

Instagram: @ainigeria

Facebook: @ainigeria

About the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN)

IIDN was founded on the belief that opportunities for engaging in the role of public governance in Nigeria, should be more inclusive. We aim that through our assistance in areas of good governance education, engagement with different community groups and awareness raising, more Nigerians will feel interested, confident and qualified to engage in the discourse and actions centred around how Nigeria is governed.