Devatop, NHRC partner to boost human rights protection

The Devatop Centre for Africa Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to strengthen collaboration on human rights promotion.
The partnership is also geared towards survivor-centred responses to abuse across the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Executive Director of Devatop, Mr Joseph Osuigwe, said that the partnership was designed to improve timely and safe access to justice for survivors.

Osuigwe said that the partnership marked a strategic partnership aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of survivors while advancing coordinated human rights interventions nationwide.

He said that under the agreement, both organisations would work together to support survivors of human rights abuses, including gender-based violence, human trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of abuse.

He said the partnership provided a framework for joint activities in survivor support, public awareness, capacity building, advocacy, community engagement with strong emphasis on access to justice and effective referral pathways.

He added that a major component of the collaboration was the adoption of the “TALKAM App” as a reporting and digital case management platform.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the TALKAM App offers a safe and accessible channel for individuals to report human rights abuses.

It also help and connect with verified support organisations, while prioritising confidentiality, survivor safety, and dignity, particularly for those facing barriers in accessing help.

Osuigwe said that through its digital case management system, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and relevant institutions could receive referrals, document cases, track progress and coordinate responses more effectively.

“As part of the MoU, the NHRC will function as a case management organisation on the TALKAM App, receiving and handling referred cases that fall within its statutory mandate.

“For survivors, access to justice often depends on how quickly and safely they can report abuse and receive support.

“By working with the NHRC and leveraging the TALKAM App, we are strengthening a system that listens and responds.

“This partnership brings us closer to a reality where survivors are not left to navigate these challenges alone,” Osuigwe said.

Responding, the Head of Legal, NHRC, Hajia Rabi Anwal, said that the Commission’s participation in case management and referrals through the TALKAM App would strengthen accountability and coordination.

“Our participation will enhance accountability, improve coordination and ensure that reported cases are handled professionally and with the seriousness they deserve.

“This collaboration supports our mandate to promote, protect, and enforce human rights in Nigeria,” she said.

NAN reports that the signing of the MOU is seen as a significant step toward building stronger and more coordinated systems for human rights protection and survivor support in the country.