The European Union (EU) has called for more global action against human rights abuses.

The EU deputy ambassador to Nigeria, Zissimos Vergos, made the appeal during the presentation of a play on human rights violation titled, `Lurk in the Dark’, directed by Agozie Ugwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

The event was part of activities marking the 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in commemoration of the 2023 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

He said that the bloc stands against any violation of human rights of citizens, including women and girls.

Mr Vergos expressed concern that the violation of human rights has become a big hole in the heart of the world that requires key priority action.

According to Mr Vergos, the day is to raise awareness and demand actions to eradicate the violations, including those perpetrated against women and girls.

“We should move and turn the volume higher and louder to discuss crime against what we call an epidemic that keeps spreading if not stopped,” the envoy said.

Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, country director of Avocats Sans Frontieres, said the lack of accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses accounts for its prevalence.

She noted that Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights said no one should be subjected to torture, inhumane and degrading treatment.

According to her, people need to see that these offences are properly accounted for and that no abuser goes unpunished.

She said Nigeria should deploy the legal tools available in the country to punish human rights abusers.

“Lack of implementation of legal tools that seek to end torture is another serious issue of concern; the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 continues to experience a low level of implementation.

“We urge all the relevant authorities to continue to work to improve the implementation rate of the anti-torture act in the country.

“Disobedience and lack of implementation of court orders and directives must also be put to an end.

“We must monitor the level of compliance of court directives and hold erring individuals and organisations accountable,” Ms Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said.

(NAN)