Patience to support UN on women, children rights

The First lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Tuesday pledged to work with a UN Human Rights Commission to advance the rights of women and children.

Jonathan made the pledge when Ms Navanetham Pillay, UN High Commissioner on Human Rights paid a courtesy visit to the presidential villa in Abuja.

“I’m ready to work with you so that women and children can enjoy their rights. We are trying our best so that women will be given their rightful positions,” she said.

She outlined her efforts in advocating for women’s inclusion in governance so that women could contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

“We have advocated for 35 per cent inclusion and today, the President included women who hold key positions in governance.

“The president also ensured free education for the girl-child and we are still advocating for the states that are yet to adopt the child rights act to do so,” Jonathan said.

Earlier, Pillay said she was in Nigeria because the UN was advocating that all countries develop a culture of human rights.

“We want you to help us make people aware of their human rights, especially violence against women, development issues and protection of children.

“It would be so important if you raise your voice for the children. Nigeria can be a leader on the continent if it complies with these matters,” Pillay said.

She condemned the maltreatment of a Nigerian by the police in South Africa which was caught on video.