Lieutenant-General-Tukur-Yusuf-Buratai
Nigerian Army is
Lieutenant-General-Tukur-Yusuf-Buratai
Nigerian Army is Committed to Protection of Human
Rights- Buratai
This day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United
Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that
enshrines the fundamental freedoms of religion, expression,
peaceful assembly and association for all individuals,
everywhere.
Last year, I issued a first ever statement by the Nigerian Army
in commemoration of International Human Rights Day. I restated the
commitment of the Nigerian Army to the promotion and protection of
Human Rights. For emphasis, the Nigerian Army firmly believes that
the promotion and protection of human rights are an essential
component of our military operations.
We firmly embrace the idea and the message behind the
International Human Rights Day and we are committed to doing our
part to spread awareness and support for human rights every
day.
On this day, I recommit the Nigerian Army to supporting the
brave officers, men and women who are working daily to defend human
dignity and advance the cause of freedom of Nigerians across the 36
states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. I note with
regret the situation in some areas in the North Eastern States of
Nigeria where heinous acts of terrorism continue to be perpetuated
by Boko Haram terrorists. I specifically pay tribute to the
officers, men and women who have lost their lives in the pursuit of
human rights for the people living in these communities.
While these resurgent acts of terrorism challenges the rights
that we celebrate today, I nevertheless believe that freedom
including the right to live without fear will triumph eventually
over terrorism and the Nigerian Army remains committed to working
toward that end.
The Nigerian Army appreciates the support and partnerships with
local and international non government organisations. I
specifically note the support of the National Human Rights
Commission. Its human rights training programme for military
personnel and its Nigerian Military Human Rights Dialogue
initiative have largely enhanced the human rights awareness and
education of our personnel. I am also thankful for our partnerships
with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights, the International Red Cross and Crescent as well as
Nigerian Bar Association.
Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai
Chief of Army Staff