Human Rights Program

At Better Community Life Initiative (BECOLIN), the promotion and protection of human rights are at the core of our mission to empower individuals and communities. We believe that every person, regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic status, or geographical location, is entitled to fundamental human rights. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots initiatives, we strive to create a just and equitable society where all individuals can live with dignity and freedom.

Our Human Rights Program is dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing human rights challenges in Nigeria, including gender inequality, child rights violations, human trafficking, and harmful traditional practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). We partner with local and international organizations to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and provide support to vulnerable populations.

Key Focus Areas

  1. Gender Equality and Women’s Rights In Nigeria, gender discrimination and violence against women remain significant issues that undermine the rights and well-being of women and girls. BECOLIN is committed to advancing gender equality by advocating for women’s rights, challenging discriminatory practices, and empowering women through education, training, and economic opportunities.
    • Campaigns Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): BECOLIN has implemented multiple campaigns to end FGM in communities across Imo, Abia, and Oguta LGAs. Through partnerships with organizations like Friendly Environment and Human Development (FEHD) Foundation and sponsorship from the United States Democracy and Human Rights Fund, our efforts have led to significant reductions in FGM practices. In some areas, FGM has been reduced by as much as 95%.
    • Women’s Political Participation: We believe that women must have an active role in shaping the policies that affect their lives. BECOLIN has conducted civic education programs that encourage women to participate in political processes, such as our voter education campaign for rural women in Rivers State during the 2007 General Elections. These programs empower women to take leadership roles and contribute to democratic governance.
  2. Child Rights and Protection Protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and violence is a critical aspect of our Human Rights Program. BECOLIN works to create safe environments for children by advocating for their rights and providing support services for vulnerable children.
    • Campaign Against Child Trafficking: Human trafficking is a severe violation of children’s rights and a growing problem in Nigeria. BECOLIN, in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, implemented a campaign to combat girl child trafficking in 30 communities across Enugu State. The program raised awareness, provided education, and worked with local authorities to rescue trafficked children and prevent further cases.
    • Child Abuse Prevention: Through our advocacy and educational programs, we raise awareness about child rights and prevent child abuse. In collaboration with local communities, we have implemented campaigns against child abuse and violence in five communities in Onu Imo LGA, reaching thousands of children and their families.
  3. Combating Human Trafficking Human trafficking, particularly the trafficking of women and children, remains a pervasive human rights issue in Nigeria. BECOLIN is actively involved in the fight against human trafficking by working with local and international organizations to prevent trafficking, rescue victims, and rehabilitate survivors.
    • Community Awareness and Advocacy: We engage communities to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and the tactics used by traffickers. By educating parents, teachers, and community leaders, we help create protective environments that prevent trafficking.
    • Support for Trafficking Survivors: BECOLIN provides psychological and material support to survivors of human trafficking, helping them rebuild their lives through vocational training, education, and counseling.
  4. Harmful Traditional Practices While many cultural traditions are valuable, some practices violate human rights and perpetuate harm, particularly to women and girls. BECOLIN actively works to challenge and eradicate these practices through community engagement and advocacy.
    • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): As a leader in the fight against FGM, BECOLIN has led campaigns in multiple communities, achieving significant success in reducing the prevalence of this harmful practice. By working closely with traditional leaders, women’s groups, and international donors, we have been able to foster cultural shifts that prioritize the health and rights of girls and women.
  5. HIV/AIDS and Human Rights People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) often face stigma, discrimination, and violations of their basic human rights. BECOLIN is committed to defending the rights of PLWHA by providing care, support, and advocacy to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
    • HIV/AIDS Home-Based Care and Support: In collaboration with local organizations, BECOLIN has implemented home-based care programs for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in communities such as Isiala Mbano and Ohaji/Egbema LGAs. These programs provide medical, psychological, and material support to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS, reducing stigma and improving quality of life.
    • Human Rights Advocacy for PLWHA: We work with government agencies and civil society organizations to advocate for the rights of PLWHA, ensuring they have access to medical care, employment, and equal opportunities.
  6. Civic and Voter Education Civic participation is a fundamental human right that allows individuals to influence the political and social systems that govern their lives. BECOLIN promotes civic education and voter participation, particularly among marginalized groups like women and rural communities.
    • Civic Education for Rural Women: In February 2007, BECOLIN executed a civic and voter education program in Omoku communities, Rivers State. This program encouraged rural women to participate in the democratic process, empowering them to make informed decisions in the 2007 General Elections.
  7. Advocacy for Policy Change Advocacy is a cornerstone of BECOLIN’s Human Rights Program. We work with policymakers, government agencies, and civil society organizations to advocate for laws and policies that protect human rights, promote gender equality, and ensure justice for all.
    • Policy Advocacy on FGM: Our advocacy efforts have contributed to the enactment of laws and policies that criminalize FGM and other harmful practices. We continue to engage with lawmakers to ensure that these laws are effectively implemented and enforced.
    • Human Rights and Democracy: BECOLIN regularly participates in national and international human rights conferences, such as the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) and the Global Network on Disaster Reduction (GNDR), to share our experiences and advocate for global human rights initiatives.

Impact and Achievements

  • Reduced the prevalence of FGM by 95% in some communities across Imo and Abia States, improving the health and well-being of thousands of women and girls.
  • Rescued and rehabilitated victims of child trafficking in Enugu State through community education and collaboration with international partners.
  • Provided HIV/AIDS care and support to over 30 women and 12 orphans living with HIV/AIDS in rural communities, reducing stigma and improving quality of life.
  • Empowered thousands of rural women to participate in political processes through civic education campaigns in Rivers State.
  • Led successful campaigns to prevent child abuse and violence in five communities, raising awareness about children’s rights and strengthening community protection mechanisms.

Ongoing Human Rights Projects

  • Campaign to End FGM in Oguta LGA, Imo State: Sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this campaign aims to further reduce FGM practices in 10 communities, building on our previous successes.
  • Home-Based Care for HIV/AIDS Patients: We continue to provide care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS in Isiala Mbano LGA, helping to alleviate the burdens of the disease and prevent further transmission.
  • Anti-Trafficking Campaign in Enugu State: BECOLIN is expanding its anti-trafficking efforts in Enugu State, focusing on education, prevention, and victim rehabilitation.

Looking Ahead

BECOLIN remains committed to advocating for human rights and ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable populations in Nigeria are protected and empowered. By partnering with local and international organizations, we will continue to fight against human rights violations and work towards a society where justice, equality, and dignity are upheld for all.

Join us in advancing human rights and creating lasting change in communities across Nigeria. Together, we can build a future where everyone’s rights are respected and protected.