Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government and the United Nations have agreed to strengthen collaboration on human rights protection and victims’ rights advocacy, with a renewed commitment to accountability, justice and adherence to international humanitarian standards.
According to Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international humanitarian law and globally accepted human rights standards during a meeting with the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Victims’ Rights Advocate, Najla Nassif Palma, at the Ship House in Abuja.
General Musa said the Federal Government had put in place comprehensive frameworks to address challenges linked to past foreign peacekeeping operations and assured the UN delegation of a transparent communication mechanism to facilitate the resolution of long-standing paternity claims arising from Nigeria’s legacy missions in Liberia.
The minister noted that the initiative is aimed at bringing closure to issues that have remained unresolved for decades while ensuring fairness and justice for all affected parties.
Speaking during the visit, Palma disclosed that the United Nations is currently reviewing 42 legacy cases and sought the support of the Nigerian government in securing justice and closure for victims.
She added that some of the affected individuals had expressed interest in acquiring Nigerian citizenship, underscoring the need for sustained cooperation between both parties.
According to Palma, stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the United Nations would help advance victims’ rights advocacy and strengthen confidence in accountability mechanisms.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to institutionalise a strategic partnership focused on specialised training, joint workshops and capacity-building programmes aimed at further integrating human rights protection into the operational framework of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The agreement is expected to enhance Nigeria’s efforts to uphold international best practices while strengthening cooperation with the United Nations on human rights-related matters.
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