Six (6)member Board of Trustees, Thirty (30) member General Assembly, Executive Director, Programs Director, Programs Manager, Centre Heads, Program Officers, M&E Officer, Finance Officer. The organization is divided into Three major centres namely:-

PEACE,JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE.

CCPJD’s work is characterized in our three major centres;

1. CENTRE FOR PEACE,
2. CENTRE FOR JUSTICE AND
3. CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT

CENTRE FOR JUSTICE

Our Justice Centre is saddled with the promotion, protection and preservation of Human Rights, Minority Rights, Indigenous Peoples Rights, Sexual Righs, Women’s Human Rights and the Rights of the Child. Here we have the Human Rights Department with sub units comprising Minority and Indigenous Peoples Rights, Child Rights and Women’s Human Rights for promoting and protecting Human Rights, combating impunity and strengthening accountability.

CCPJD is not just a Human Rights Defender but also a women human rights defender and promotes gender equality in all its diverse forms.

CCPJD promotes and protect minority rights with special focus on abused, violated, discriminated and vulnerable women and girls, giving access to Justice through legal aids, advocacy and capacity building to end impunity, inequality, discrimination and violence against women in the Niger Delta a conflict and post conflict zone especially the Itsekiri Ethnic Minorities, Ahoada Community and Ogoni Ethnic community of Rivers State.

Combating impunity is essential to the restoration or preservation of the rule of law. Conflict drivers are often related to chronic impunity and lack of accountability. Moreover, terrorism continues to fester where conflicts are endemic and where human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, are not protected and impunity prevails. Law enforcement and criminal justice responses to terrorism in violation of human rights have proved to be counter-productive.

Absence of the rule of law leads to violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and causes oppressive rule and conflict. CCPJD is committed to promoting the rule of law, as well as the interlinked nature of the rule of law and human rights, by adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights CCPJD is further committed to ensuring accountability for crimes and other gross violations of human rights and supporting the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms.

Sustained efforts is required to build fair and effective administration of justice systems which are based on international norms and standards and uphold the rule of law and protection of all rights, including economic, social and cultural rights. These systems must be made accessible to all, including women and girls.

Under our Justice centre we have the following department;

Access to justice department

 CCPJD’s Women’s Human Rights department

Rights are meaningless without the means to seek redress for their breach. We argue that access to justice is a fundamental right in itself – and we work to ensure that our courts and legal procedures are open to everyone, regardless of their wealth or circumstances. Where it is difficult for citizens to have access to state owned judicial establishments, this department intervenes and provides lawyers to render legal aid on pro-bono basis to facilitate access to justice for deprived/underprivileged individuals especially women and children.

Through our capacity building projects we have carried out we have empowered women local actors, improved women’s mental health and peace.

We have established a sustained effort for victims and survivors of Sexual/Gender Based

violence against women/girls at the Rivers State Judiciary were we render free legal aid, pro bono service for them.

our work has enhanced women community resilience, peace and advocacy and women action network

CCPJD is a human rights policy change maker, through international instruments such as UDHR, ICERD, ICCPR and CEDAW, we facilitated the domestication of the CEDAW into our local laws at the state level through Consultation/mobilization of policy makers members of the State House of Assembly Rivers State, and sponsored with other stakeholders a bill in the house which gave rise to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Laws of Rivers State Nigeria which was signed by the Governor His Excellency Barrister Nyesome Ezenwo Wike and came into force in 2022.

In carrying out its function, this department seeks for alternative means of reaching justice other than going to court all the time – arbitrary matters, soliciting, mediating and relying mostly on alternative dispute resolution strategies.

To this end CCPJD is conducting human rights training of Paralegals and security forces in Nigeria. A sound understanding of human rights standards among law enforcement officials is essential for access to justice and in particular, rights holders such as youth and women, will increasingly advocate and claim their rights; and protect themselves more effectively from human rights abuses.

CCPJD supports activities on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAW/G) to

achieve the goal of zero-tolerant culture against VAW/G in Nigeria with paradigm focus to advance human rights/rule of law promotion;

This department creates awareness on gender related issues, democracy and good governance through sensitization and enlightenment programmes using multi-media approach. The department provides appropriate information and education it also networks with Civil Society Organisations nationally and internationally to share information and experience in the area of democracy, good governance, and gender human rights.  It achieves this purpose through organising and/or attending seminars, lectures, workshops, symposia, conferences etc. across the country.

The aim of creating awareness and sensitizing the people, particularly Women, and girls on their rights and other related issues is to bring to the fore the realization that it is time their fundamental rights are not robbed off in the name of tradition. It is also to raise the interest of the people (particularly women to participate in democratic governance. Women are also enlightened on their rights and responsibilities in the entire electoral process thus empowering and effectively mobilizing them to participate in Civic activities to achieve the 35% affirmative action of the UN sustainable development goals.

There are a lot of practices and policies put in place that are not favourable to women such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriages.  These practices can be abolished and replaced with favourable policies and practices when women are adequately empowered to participate in civic activities where they will be exposed to decision-making opportunities.

One of the core objectives of CCPJD is the elimination of all forms of discrimination, violence, and marginalization against women, promoting Non-discrimination and equality which are essential elements of human dignity. Enhancing the fundamental premise of equal respect for all persons and freedom from discrimination on all grounds. In Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta South South however, people continue to be excluded, marginalized, distinguished and restricted in the exercise of their rights based on grounds of ethnic or social origin, language, race, sex, religion,  political or other opinion, descent, birth, caste, age, disability, health status, migration status, sexual orientation or gender identity. The burden is even greater for those who experience multiple forms of discrimination. Due to the passion CCPJD has for equality, social inclusion and Human Rights; We have worked with various non state actors like the International Federation for Women Lawyers (FIDA), Civil Liberty Organization (CLO), African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Rivers State where we supported activities against gender discrimination and Gender Based Violence (GBV), campaigned against violence against women, child abuse, promoted minority and indigenous peoples rights, rights to sexual orientation and other women issues were we demonstrated strong commitment to women human rights with a global feminist perspective.

CCPJD represented West Africa, Nigeria and the Itsekiri ethnic minorities of Delta state at the at the 8^th forum on minority issues at the United Nations Headquarters Geneva Switzaland in 2015 where we presented the case of Nigeria and Itsekiri people of Delta State in a 2 day (24^th  and 25^th  December 2015) Organized by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Please see UN Live United Nations Web TV – exercise of police powers …then cliq again UN Live United Nations Web TV – exercise of police powers … see list of speakers we are number 18 on the list of speakers. Plz Cliq link.

Also see: UN Live United Nations Web TV – Addressing the root causes of …then cliq again UN Live United Nations Web TV – Addressing the root causes of … we are number 27 on the list of speakers. Plz Cliq link.

 CCPJD also engage in Human rights Media advocacy – RSTV, AIT and Cool FM, Port-Harcourt, we have anchored a human rights program on Nigeria Info Radio Station – Constitution 101

Port-Harcourt FM Radio Station – ‘How Una Seam’ and other talk shows

NTA, AIT, RSTV.

CCPJD is actively engaged in Early warning in collaboration with other CSOs especially with regards to electoral violence and violence against women (VAW) issues where most of our data collectors are survivors.

CCPJD’s Women’s department works in conjunction with other departments in the Centre.

Areas of Specialization

Human Rights

Criminal justice

Minority Rights

Sexual Rights

Access to justice

International conventions

The rule of law

Legislative Advocacy

Women and child’s right

CENTRE FOR PEACE

Our Centre for peace and conflict resolution facilitates change that promotes condition for sustainable peace, introducing a culture of peace by curbing the factors that breed violence in different communities and schools in our ethnic communities.

CCPJD was established as a grassroots response to the threat of rural ethnic marginalization and to promote alternatives to violence.  CCPJD promotes education and action for peace and justice in our rural and urban communities and most recently gained an Honour Award from the Institute of National Security and Intelligence Studies (FNSIS) in march 2017. CCPJD has intensified its work and advocacy for peace and justice, CCPJD is currently training police on gender responsive policing as a way to promote peace building.

CCPJD is committed to:

• Peace, Justice, and Development
• Maintaining an organization that brings the community together with groups engaged in peace and justice work.
• Practice of non-violent strategies for resolving rural ethnic conflicts
• Ending proliferation of violence, militants and racism

o    Our Department for peace and conflict resolutions/transformation prevention, and conciliation has specific mechanism including the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms—such as arbitration and mediation—which takes place outside the domestic court system. Also influential is CCPJD’s use of arbitration and mediation in resolving family disputes which our law courts could not have achieved given the technicality of litigation.

o    CCPJD adopts specific approach to conflict management and resolution, by developing tailored programs towards making participants aware of their role in a conflict and give them tools for resolving or at least ameliorating the situation. Beneath this broad canopy lies our different approach to conflict management and specific work in this area, ranging from programs to improve negotiation skills to strategies to identify and resolve the underlying causes of conflict.

o    We also facilitate dialogue among parties to a conflict or among influential community leaders. In addition, CCPJD helps governments and communities improve conflict resolution skills, design dispute resolution systems, monitor ethnic tensions, and design new legislation that can help resolve conflicts especially electoral conflicts. Collaboration is critical, so we work with local individuals, community groups, university staff, clergy, and government agencies, as well as with other local and international NGOs, to organize training sessions, workshops, and conferences.

o    Due to the rising nature of instability and violence eruption in the rural poor Niger Delta, (CCPJD), decided to initiate the conflict transformation strategies unit that is dedicated to global peace and security and the eradication of all forms of conflict and violence in this region. It works through a variety of approaches such as conflict management techniques, alternative dispute resolution, conflict prevention, negotiation, arbitration and peace building and development and monitoring of governmental peace building agencies and law enforcement agencies.

Peace Education Programming

CCPJD is currently involved in a new, long-term effort aimed at educating people about relevant Peace & Justice issues including war, violence, peace building, environmental concerns, community service and social justice.  Join us in the following on-going endeavours.

The mission of this centre is to intervene in communities where conflict exists, transforming the existing conflict Situation in the Nigeria into sustainable peace. We intend to forge project aimed at providing a forum for international and intercommunity consultations between grassroots groups in order to forge new alliance, strengthen the existing foundation of peace and find new ways to transform the situation from the bottom up and make knowledge available for resolving conflict. We intend to initiate forums for parties to a long drawn conflict to come together and share their vision for lasting peace without being intimidated by people who hold power. We also embark on education in schools primary, secondary and higher institutions for the purpose of curbing secret cult activities and introducing them to alternatives to violence.

• educating local youth about CCPJD’s peace corps  (Paramilitary)
• help guide local youth toward peaceful career options including jobs, private and public sector employment.
• provide second opinions and advice to individuals interested in paramilitary service.
• engage school communities on issues of violence and social justice.

Community-building, Advocacy & Engagement

CCPJD has a long history of working with rural ethnic minorities, community members and organizations.  Some of these groups most recently include Peace In the Niger Delta (PIND). Non Violence Campaign group, and Ping for Peace (P4P).

Nonviolent Toys Campaign

CCPJD engages in a yearly campaign to promote the purchase of nonviolent toys for children.

This Centre tends to forge new alliance that creates peace between the government and the people of Nigeria. And to transform conflict situations to peace and democracy.

This Centre is vested with the responsibilities of monitoring governmental Peace-building agencies such as panel of enquiries and tribunals set up by government to investigate communal clashes and extra judicial abuse so that the rights of individuals are not abused by governmental law enforcement agencies such as the police.

This department also conducts advocacies, trainings, workshops and creates awareness, capacity-building, and training tools for relevant stakeholders.

AREA of Specialization

Ø Building Institutional Capacity

Ø Assuring Security and De-militarizing Politics

Ø Reintegration/Counselling

Ø Reconciliation and Peace-building

Ø Building Civil Society

Ø Revitalizing Post-Conflict Economics

Ø Alternative Dispute resolution – ADR

Ø Conflict resolution

Ø Providing Humanitarian Relief

Ø Mediation

CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT

CCPJD has a centre for development to facilitate change that promotes condition for sustainable development especially women development to enable Rights holders claim their rights and duty bearers comply with their responsibilities and obligations. This department is saddled with the promotion, protection and preservation of Civil and Political Rights, Good Governance and Accountability, Democracy; especially ensuring that women have equal opportunity to represent their Government in accordance with the millennium development goal of 35% affirmation for women. Girl child education thereby empowering and developing women in Nigeria. Under our Centre for Development we have Economic and Social Cultural Rights Department, In doing so we try to integrate Human Rights in development and in the economic sphere. Economic growth in the absence of adequate measures to promote inclusive and participatory development is not sustainable. Indeed, an absence of accountability and the rule of law in the economic sphere, inequality, corruption, mismanagement of public resources, austerity measures and conditionality continue to trigger civil unrest in many parts of the world especially Nigeria, which in turn undermine the sustainability of long-term development and growth.

Economic and Social/Cultural Human Rights (ECOSOC) Department

Economic/Social/Cultural Human Rights are referred to as second-generation rights as these rights are not usually provided for.  These rights are subject to environment and social factors, and are enforceable in the law court.  For example, the right to good environment, health, education, food, work etc as contained in chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The ECOSOC Rights department of CCPJD is involved among other functions with assisting the citizenry of the state in monitoring the sincerity of those policies and programs embarked upon by government and its agencies, aimed at alleviating the plight of the citizens.  In achieving this purpose, the department collects, collates and makes available information concerning the budget and policies of government as it affects those concerned.  We also follows up on the implementation of these budget and policies in a bid to determining their effect on the people. CCPJD is currently advocating for gender mainstreaming in Nigeria’s budgeting.

The ECOSOC rights department works with other organisations like ministry for women affairs, Youth and Development and Niger Delta Development Commission (organisations working to improve the lot of the citizenry especially of the Niger Delta.).

The unit monitors the implementation of budgets and execution of relevant projects in a bid to measure revenue and expenditure tendencies of government agencies.   The unit also involves community members in ascertaining the relevance and genuity of projects executed by these agencies in a bid to ascertaining transparency.  In course of carrying out its functions, the unit proffers advice to community members and the government on the other’s needs and expectations.

CCPJD carries out Environmental Assessment programs to determine the causes, effects and solution to environmental degradation.

Community and rural development initiative

The department has also done some agricultural development research to alleviate poverty it is the main engine of growth in the economy of rural areas and developing countries. Thus, in CCPJD’s seminars individuals, regions and community-based organizations are encouraged to engage in agricultural activities such as farming, fishery, poultry etc to better their lots. It was on this note that this development of CCPJD did a proposal to own a farmland/fish farm and intends to diversify in future. It’s an ongoing program of CCPJD. The centre is looking forward to getting assistance from Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) for this project.

The department has also started a development project a baseline study assessment of Technical Schools in the Niger Delta to assist the youths get better skills backed up with credible credentials for a better future. After the study, the Centre members decided that the next stage of work should focus on implementation, rather than further research.

Solving unemployment and attacking the problem called Hunger

Hunger forces people to make tough choices that push them further into poverty: parents take their children out of school to work; families eat seeds that should be preserved for the next harvest. Lack of food also jeopardizes the well-being of families: mothers are forced to reduce the number of meals children eat; families replace nutritious foods like vegetables and beans for staples like corn and millet, parents and guidance also encourage their children or wards into prostitution The long-term effects of hunger go beyond health.

CCPJD has partnered with MTN Nigeria to recruit over 500 youths as mobile money agents to be self sustained.

Poor nutrition leads to poor performance in school and fewer opportunities. Children’s brains will not fully develop and their bodies will be stunted. This has a devastating and harmful effect on families, communities and countries. Malnutrition increases disease by weakening the immune system, making it vulnerable to the effects of diarrhoea, tuberculosis, malaria

Today, there is an estimated three million people living with HIV and AIDS. The problem is still outpacing the global response and people in poor countries remain disproportionately affected.  A recent report by the Joint United Nations program on HIV and AIDS stated that AIDS has become the leading cause of death among infants and young children in much of sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization, AIDS is the leading cause of death globally in women of reproductive age.

CCPJD focus on reducing the number of people infected, while also minimizing the impact of the virus. Malnutrition exacerbates the problems of HIV and AIDS, complicating its treatment because many anti-retroviral drugs are designed to be taken with food to assist the body in processing the drugs. When those affected by the disease no longer have to live with the ravages of hunger, they can focus better on their health and recovery. Such empowerment can renew their sense of dignity, which often suffers as a result of the stigma linked with having HIV and AIDS.

CCPJD work with local organizations and charity partners to educate communities about HIV prevention. We also work with schools, assisting in the development of life-skills programs and establishing youth clubs that promote HIV awareness and prevention. We assist in establishing and strengthening community support groups and networks for people living with HIV and AIDS. We also advocate for changes to existing laws that may affect the lives of people living with the disease.

The financial crisis in the Niger Delta and the increasing competition for ownership and control of natural resources have, in many places, translated into a serious denial of access to employment, education, health, social security, food, housing, water and other basic necessities. They have also resulted in unprecedented rural urban drifts and persons are internally displaced. In such instances, women, children, indigenous peoples, and members of disadvantaged and marginalized groups disproportionately suffer. This is exacerbated by manifestations of discrimination and extremism. Moreover, the crises have often resulted in serious violations of civil and political rights when those excluded from the national development agendas protest against their long-standing abuse and discrimination. Their call for a fair share of the pie and for dismantling structures of inequality is often met with force by those whose power and status quo are threatened.

CCPJD builds on the human rights standards and principles and its accumulated experience to develop policy frameworks, interpretative guidance and capacity-building and training tools for relevant stakeholders. In recent years, CCPJD has developed expert knowledge and materials relevant to development and economic issues, such as: the content and monitoring of economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR), including the scope and content of these rights as they apply to migrants in an irregular situation; the development and use of human rights indicators; human rights-based assessments of the MDG process and of political and economic policies and accountability in the post-2015 development agenda; the corporate responsibility to respect human rights; and human rights-based approaches (HRBA) in development programming and budget processes. The increasing engagement of all UN human rights mechanisms with economic and development issues will build knowledge and capacity for the application of human rights in those areas.

CCPJD has developed considerable experience in highlighting the human rights dimensions and impact of economic activities and policies, including austerity measures, both globally and in specific country settings. In this context, the Office clarifies and increases awareness of the human rights responsibilities of business actors, the human rights implications of national budget planning and implementation and the obligation to devote maximum available resources to the realization of economic, social and cultural rights.

This department also conducts advocacies, trainings, workshops and creates awareness, capacity-building, and training tools for relevant stakeholders