ACJL: Aliko, Group champion Human Rights for women

LAGOS, Nigeria — Mrs Mariam Aliko, a renowned rights activist as well as a non-governmental organisation, Rights Enforcements and Public Law Centre (REPLACE) have teamed up with a group of women to champion human rights under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

The event which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja,  brought together a diverse mix of female professionals, including journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, female alumni members, and women from faith-based groups.

The roundtable dialogue concluded with a call for unity among women to champion human rights and push for systemic changes that ensure the effective implementation of the ACJL.

Aliko urged women to take responsibility of their rights to guide against abuse.

She said, "Women must come together to demand their rights and challenge injustices. The ACJL provides a framework for promoting human rights and we must work together to ensure its provisions are implemented effectively.

"Women are often marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes. We must work together to challenge these injustices and promote gender equality.

“We wanted this roundtable to be a forum where women could not only learn but also share their experiences and perspectives. The turnout and the level of engagement exceeded our expectations," she added.

The meeting which was organised by Rights Enforcements and Public Law Centre with the Support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, aimed to deepen understanding of women’s rights as enshrined in the ACJL.

The Executive Director, REPLACE, Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai underscored the need for legal literacy in promoting human rights.

She said, "Many women are unaware of their rights under the ACJL hence, the need for this roundtable meeting to chart ways women in Lagos state and Nigeria at large will be enlightened about the ACJL.

"Women must work together to spread the education and awareness about certain provisions of the ACJL as regards their rights to demand justice"

The meeting, described by attendees as enlightening and empowering, provided a safe space for women to freely voice their thoughts on human rights issues. Participants explored practical ways to leverage the ACJL to protect and assert their rights.

A highlight of the event was the group session, where participants were divided into three groups and tasked with deliberating on specific topics related to the ACJL. Each group later presented its findings in a creative and spirited way, crafting catchy slogans to encapsulate their discussions.

Earlier, the Nigeria State Project Coordinator, RoLAC, Ajibola Ijimakinwa, said the event showcased the depth of thought and passion among the attendees. “It was inspiring to see how each group distilled complex legal provisions into simple, powerful messages that any woman could relate to.”

One group’s slogan, “My Right, My Voice, My Power,” emphasized the importance of women speaking up against injustices, while another group coined the phrase, “Justice Is Free—So Is Bail.”

The various slogans called for broader advocacy and enforcement of human rights laws under the ACJL.

 ACJL was enacted to revolutionize the administration of justice in Nigeria. The law aims to promote efficient and effective justice delivery, protect human rights, and prevent abuse of power.

Commending the program, one of the attendees hailed the initiative, saying, “This is not just a conversation—it’s a movement. We are ready to take this message into our community and workplaces"

The meeting was hailed as a step forward in amplifying women’s voices in the ongoing discourse on justice and human rights in Lagos State.