RULAAC Launches South East Human Rights Bureau, Trains Rights Defenders

Renowned Anambra journalist, Kenechukwu Ofoma, has described the launch of the South East Human Rights Bureau as a timely intervention in addressing growing human rights violations across the region.

The Bureau was unveiled during a two day programme in Enugu organised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC). The event also featured the launch of an Open Source Reporting Platform and the training of Human Rights Defenders drawn from the five South East states.

According to participants, the initiative comes at a time when communities in the region are increasingly affected by abuses allegedly committed by both state and non state actors. Former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons in Africa, Prof. Ngozi Ezeilo, noted that many residents face threats from criminal elements, separatist agitators, and security operatives who fail to respect human rights.

The Human Rights Bureau is expected to promote the prompt reporting and documentation of rights violations through its Open Source Reporting Platform, while providing support, referrals, and access to justice for victims. Human Rights Defenders trained during the programme will work across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states to strengthen advocacy, documentation, strategic litigation, dialogue, and accountability.

The programme attracted support from several organisations and distinguished personalities, including Very Rev. Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, Dr. Sam Amadi, Amnesty International, the Ford Foundation, the National Human Rights Commission, and other partners committed to advancing human rights and justice in the South East.