The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has joined leading human rights advocates, civil society organisations, government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders at the official launch of the South-East Human Rights Bureau (SEHRB), describing the initiative as a significant milestone towards strengthening human rights protection, accountability, peace, and democratic governance in the region.
The launch, held at Enugu, marked the beginning of a two-day regional programme (23–24 July 2026) organised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC).
The programme featured the inauguration of the Bureau, the unveiling of the Open Source Reporting Platform, and a capacity-building training programme for South-East Human Rights Defenders.
The initiative is led by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, with support from the Ford Foundation.
The event brought together prominent human rights advocates, policymakers, justice sector institutions, civil society actors, development partners, security stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, academics, and the media. Participants included Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, OON, SAN, Dr. Sam Amadi, representatives of Amnesty International Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Enugu State Ministry of Justice, and other institutions committed to advancing human rights and the rule of laws
FENRAD Nigeria commends the collaborative efforts that led to the establishment of the South-East Human Rights Bureau, noting that the initiative provides a timely and strategic platform for coordinated human rights monitoring, documentation of violations, advocacy, early warning and response mechanisms, and constructive engagement among citizens, government institutions, and security agencies.
The Foundation recognises that the South-East continues to face complex human rights and security challenges, including unlawful killings, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, gender-based violence, child rights violations, restrictions on civic freedoms, and other forms of abuse.
FENRAD maintains that sustainable peace and development can only thrive where human dignity is protected, justice is accessible, institutions are accountable, and the rule of law remains central to governance.
FENRAD further applauds the Bureau’s inclusive approach, which brings together government institutions, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, legal practitioners, traditional and religious leaders, academia, security agencies, women and youth groups, the media, and development partners to collectively address emerging human rights concerns across the region.
The Foundation also welcomes the unveiling of the Open Source Reporting Platform, which will enhance the documentation, verification, analysis, and reporting of human rights violations while supporting evidence-based advocacy and improved regional early warning systems.
FENRAD equally recognises the importance of training South-East Human Rights Defenders to strengthen the capacity of frontline actors working to protect citizens and promote accountability.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to human rights advocacy, environmental justice, community protection, and strategic interventions that promote peace, accountability, and sustainable development across the South-East region.
The launch of the South-East Human Rights Bureau is a bold and necessary step towards building stronger accountability systems and ensuring that human rights remain at the centre of governance and peacebuilding.
FENRAD remains committed to supporting initiatives that defend the dignity of citizens, protect civic space, promote justice, and advance sustainable development in the South-East and beyond.”
He further emphasised that FENRAD will continue to collaborate with human rights defenders, civil society organisations, government institutions, security agencies, and community stakeholders to address human rights concerns and promote a safer, more inclusive, and just society.
The Foundation calls on the Governors of the five South-East states to provide the necessary political and institutional support required for the effective operation of the South-East Human Rights Bureau. FENRAD also urges security agencies to uphold their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights
The establishment of the South-East Human Rights Bureau represents a renewed regional commitment to strengthening justice, accountability, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
FENRAD Nigeria remains dedicated to working with the Bureau and other stakeholders to ensure that human rights protection becomes a shared responsibility and a lasting foundation for progress in the South-East.
