The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, has said the workable path to reconciliation, reintegration and reconstruction of crisis torn North East is through effective sustenance of atmosphere of peace and community process of transitional, restitutive and restorative justice.
Ojukwu said this in Maiduguri on Wednesday, 28 July, 2021 during the Entry Dialogue and Stakeholders’ Consultative Workshop on Reconciliation, Transitional and Restorative Justice in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe State.
At the event which served as an inaugural activity of the Commission’s new partnership with the United Nation Development Fund (UNDP) supported by the European Union (EU) in the implementation of a project to promote Reconciliation, Reintegration and Transitional Justice in the North-East, Ojukwu said the effort of Federal and State Government at deradicalizing the Boko Haram insurgents and reintegrating them to communities should include the process of non-formal transitional and restitutive justice, anchored on human rights and social inclusion.
According to Ojukwu, the project which will be implemented in the epicenter of insurgency is targeted at seven communities within the region, adding that the project is aimed at building capacity for peace and reconciliation, setting up of community framework for transitional justice, and providing a platform for community participatory restorative justice. He stated that “the project is community-based and its success will be achieved with the full corporation and partnership of traditional and community leaders”.
In her remarks, the Head of UNDP Nigeria North-East Sub-Office Mizuko Yokoi noted that the effective resolution of conflict in the North-East is an all-encompassing venture which must involve both the government and individuals. She maintained that “reconciliation and resolution of conflict is about love, compassion, and forgiveness, adding that healing the wounded hearts, minds and the community is the core of sustainable transformation”.
