NHRC reveals plan to launch human rights radio station

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed plans to establish a human rights radio station in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, disclosed in his message marking World Radio Day, which is observed annually on February 13.

Dr Ojukwu, while reaffirming NHRC’s commitment to utilising radio as a tool for human rights education and climate action, disclosed that the human rights radio station will focus on respect for people’s rights to enhance awareness.

He also disclosed that the radio station will provide timely information on rights violations and encourage proactive engagement on human rights and climate-related issues.

He noted that radio remains an indispensable medium for advancing human rights, reaching vast and diverse populations, including marginalised and rural communities, and fostering informed public discourse.

Dr. Ojukwu highlighted that this year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” underscores the importance of leveraging radio to amplify critical conversations on environmental sustainability and its intersection with human rights.

He stressed that climate change poses a significant threat to fundamental rights such as the right to life, health, food, water, and shelter, particularly for the poor and vulnerable communities.

“The Commission recognises that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a human rights issue.

“Rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and those in rural areas.

“Radio, with its vast reach, plays a crucial role in educating the public, advocating for climate justice, and empowering communities to take meaningful action,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.

According to him, the Commission currently receives over two million complaints of human rights violations annually, a figure attributed to increased awareness—an effort in which radio has been instrumental.

Dr. Ojukwu reiterated that the Commission will continue to collaborate with media professionals, civil society organisations, and government agencies to ensure that radio remains a catalyst for positive change and respect for human rights.

“We urge all stakeholders to support initiatives that harness the power of radio to raise awareness on respect for human rights, promote dialogue, and drive action on both human rights and climate change,” he said.

The Human Rights Advocate further called on media practitioners and policymakers to use radio as a tool for advocacy, policy influence, and grassroots mobilisation in tackling human rights violations and climate challenges.

“As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, a human rights-based approach to environmental policies is crucial in ensuring justice and equity for all”, Ojukwu added.

He said the Commission will remain steadfast in its mission to protect and promote human rights in Nigeria, leveraging radio as a medium for education, advocacy, and action towards a more just, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable society.

The Chief Human Rights Officer in Nigeria observed that currently, there are several human rights-related radio programmes, “we encourage more radio stations to do the same to build a culture of respect for human rights in Nigeria”, he said.