Leaders Partner to Build Nigeria’s Capacity to Implement ESC Rights

From September 27 - 28, 2006, the Social and Economic Rights Action Center (SERAC), in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, hosted government officials, human rights activists, and civil society groups from various countries to its international conference, Building Nigeria's Capacity to Implement Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Lessons Learned, Challenges and the Way Forward, that was held at the Abuja Sheraton Hotels and Towers. The two-day event sought to show that the realization of ESC rights is not only a matter of legal obligation, but that it is also cost-effective, socially, economically and politically advantageous.

 

The conference united high-level policymakers and civil society representatives from Ireland, India, South Africa and the United States to share best practices with their Nigerian counterparts regarding the conception and implementation of policies and programs that promote ESC rights. Rt. Hon Justice Chukwudifu Oputa delivered the keynote address, while Distinguished Senator Ken Nnamani, Nigeria’s Senate President, was the special guest of honor. Notable international participants in attendance were Dr. Aoife Nolan (who traveled from Ireland to represent the Switzerland-headquartered Centre on Housing Rights and Eviction (COHRE)), Mr. Sibonile Khoza (South Africa’s Community Law Centre), Mr. Rajendra Bhise (India’s Youth United for Volutary Action), Dr. Willy Mutunga (Ford Foundation’s office in Kenya), and Dr. Adhiambo Odaga, Ford Foundation (West African Representative).

Convened under the auspices of SERAC’s Project to Advance the Right to Effective Remedy for Violations of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Nigeria, the event focused on the following thematic issues: the right to adequate housing, health, healthy environment, education, and the rights of marginalized oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta. It presented a unique opportunity for the Nigerian government and civil society groups to develop shared goals, adopt measures and take concrete actions to implement social and economic rights.