The Amnesty International Human Rights Media Parley Agenda 2023 took center stage in Kano, featuring key figures in the fight for human rights, including Auwalu Musa Rafsanjani, head of CISLAC. The event shed light on the challenges faced in the human rights struggle within Nigeria.
Halima Ben Umar, a women’s rights advocate, emphasized the vital role journalists play in exposing human rights abuses in the country. She highlighted the alarming frequency of reported cases, stating that Kano alone receives 39 weekly cases of gender-based violence.
Umar stressed the importance of partnerships and information sharing to combat human rights abuses, asserting that such collaborations are essential in addressing the pervasive issues witnessed in the country.
Suleiman Yaradua, a faculty member at the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano (BUK), underscored the significance of journalists as beacons of society. He cautioned against journalists derailing from their professional responsibilities, emphasizing that the real news often goes unreported. Yaradua stated that journalists, through professional conduct, have the responsibility to rectify wrongs and ensure accurate reporting.
In summary, the parley addressed the pressing need for collaboration, information exchange, and professional journalism to tackle human rights abuses in Nigeria.