The Call a Lawyer Initiative has commenced a series of Human Rights Community Meetings, aiming to raise awareness for human rights and further Sustainable Development Goal 16.
These meetings, according to the organization, majorly to promote human rights, localize laws, and ensure equal access to justice, fostering inclusive societies and accountable institutions across Nigeria.
Speaking during the unveiling of the project at the Call a Lawyer Human Rights Center in Abuja, the Executive Director, Stanley Ekpa, highlighted the organization’s achievement of translating the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other relevant human rights laws into numerous local languages and dialects across Nigeria.
Ekpa stated, “ We have interpreted human rights laws in Nigeria into Nigerian local languages and have partnered with key stakeholders such as the National Human Rights Commission, local branches of the Nigerian Bar Association.
“ Also the Nigerian Police, Legal Aid Council, Public Complaints Commission, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and other relevant organizations conduct Human Rights Community Meetings in various communities throughout Nigeria.”
Stanley further noted that the inaugural event of the meeting series is scheduled to be held in Kano, in collaboration with the Emir of Kano, at the Emir’s Palace.
He further noted that the Call A Lawyer Initiative, comprising a group of passionate young lawyers in Nigeria, is dedicated to providing pro bono legal services and representing vulnerable, indigent, and marginalized individuals and communities who lack the means for legal representation.
He also mentioned that the Kano edition aims to facilitate the release of convicted inmates who have the option to pay fines but lack the means to do so, within the Nigerian Correctional Center in Kano, prior to the meeting scheduled for September 26, 2023.
“ These meetings are expected to provide valuable insights into basic human rights for community leaders, market women, union leaders, students, motorcycle taxi riders (Okada riders), and commuters.
“ The meetings will be conducted in the Hausa language, with interpreted human rights materials distributed to participants.
“ As part of this initiative, participants will receive the Call a Lawyer unique hotline number, enabling citizens and residents of Kano to seek legal assistance in cases involving human rights abuses, violations, or infringements when they are unable to afford legal representation.”
Additionally, the organization has expressed its commitment to collaborate with the Young Lawyers Forum in Kano to ensure that ordinary and vulnerable citizens in Kano State have prompt access to high-quality legal assistance in cases where they cannot afford representation or support.