NHRC Calls For Improved Access To Housing, Shelter For Older People

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of older people, with a particular emphasis on accessibility, infrastructure, and habitat, which includes transportation and housing.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, made this statement during the 14th session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

In a statement from Obinna Nwakonye, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, representatives from all countries, as well as approximately 35 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and 70 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from around the world, attended this critical meeting.

The NHRC has recommended taking additional steps towards an internationally binding document for the protection of the rights of older people, and has requested that this recommendation be forwarded to the UN General Assembly for prompt consideration.
Dr. Ojukwu informed the audience that Nigeria has strong mechanisms in place to address and remedy violations of the rights of the elderly. According to him, Section 6 of the NHRC’s mandate empowers it to handle all matters concerning the promotion and protection of human rights, as guaranteed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution and various international and regional human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. He stated that subsection 6(j) authorises the Commission to receive and investigate complaints of human rights violations, as well as make necessary determinations.
To assist older people in seeking redress, Nigeria’s Chief Human Rights Officer informed attendees at the OEWGA that the NHRC has established a dedicated department for vulnerable groups, which includes older people. He stated that the department, which is staffed by specially trained personnel, is responsible for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints from older people and other vulnerable populations.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria went on to say that Nigeria’s judicial system, which has courts in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is capable of hearing civil, criminal, and human rights cases, including those involving the rights of the elderly.
He stated that significant progress has been made in collecting national data and statistics on older people’s rights to accessibility, infrastructure, and habitat. “While the Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS) 2019, conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), included general indicators on accessibility and infrastructure, the National Senior Citizens Centre (established by the National Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2017) is working towards a more focused approach,” he stated.
He emphasised the plan to conduct a multi-indicator survey specifically for older people in collaboration with the NBS and the National Population Commission.
The Executive Secretary concluded his statement by emphasising the urgent need to begin drafting a UN Convention on the Rights of the Elderly.
“We urge the Open-Ended Working Group to recommend that the General Assembly request that the Human Rights Council act on the recommendations contained in Decision 14/1,” he stated.
“These recommendations should be brought before the General Assembly as soon as possible. Any future actions must ensure the full, effective, and meaningful participation of older people, their representative organisations, civil society organisations, and national human rights institutions,” he stated.