Abuja (Min. of Justice) – The Solicitor General of Federation and Permanent Secretary, Dayo Apata SAN has revealed that Draft Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security would go a long way to reduce poverty and inequality within the Continent when adopted.
The Solicitor General disclosed this at the National Sensitization Workshop on Draft Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security in Abuja on 4th December, 2019.
In his opening address, Apata explained that, the Draft was at the instance of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
He emphasized that, though, the two African Union Protocols on the rights of Old Persons and of Persons with Disabilities, make provisions for social protection and social security for the aged and persons living with disabilities, there is no specific provision for Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security.
Apata explained further that the Draft Protocol would be related to the President Muhammadu Buhari’s initiative of cash transfer and the school feeding programme which was an aspect of social protection and social security provided for in the draft. He added that the responsibility of the implementation of the draft when adopted would fall squarely on the Federal Government and various State Governments.
He implored the Participants to take critical look at the draft with the view to enrich it for the benefit of the Citizens.
In his presentation on the Guiding Principles for Social Protection and State Obligations, the Director, National Human Rights Commission, Abdurrahman Ayinde Yakubu said, the State Parties shall amongst others;
Develop, maintain and expand an appropriate regulatory, institutional and operational frame work for the provision of social protection and ensure good governance of social protection schemes and arrangement.
Also establish and maintain a system of social protection in accordance with the provisions of the protocol.
The participants were drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the Federation.
Mercy Omoyajowo
For: DD (Press &Public Relations)
