On the 10th of January, we were honored to host Fr Kelvin O’Hara, who shared his work on humanitarian efforts in conflict ridden and underdeveloped areas in Nigeria. This session was also organized to serve as a learning platform for Ungweru Organization particularly in the area of access to justice. The session was organized as Fr Kelvin wanted Ungweru Organization to develop its capacity in dealing with issues related to access to justice.
During the session, Fr Kelvin started by sharing how peace is crucial for communities to thrive. This was done to affirm the importance of upholding human rights and promoting the rule of law. In cognizance of the prevailing situation on how vulnerable persons are overlooked in African communities, Fr Kelvin argued that it is imperative for the rights of women to be respected if communities are to thrive.
As Fr Kelvin began to share his work, he first narrated the history behind his work. He mentioned that he began his work in Nigeria in 1980 and in partnership with his colleagues, founded an organization which they called Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Center (HRCRC). The organization, until date, has worked in the areas of Peacebuilding/conflict resolution, women and children, access to justice and counselling.
On peace building, he mentioned that his organization advocated for conflict resolution without the use of violence. He highlighted on the importance of using of negotiations as a means of resolving conflicts. This explanation was in light of situation in Nigeria where he said some community members resorted to violence when resolving conflicts.

“The prison was full of young men and women who resolved conflicts using Machete”, he said
On women and children, the Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Center (HRCRC) implemented direct interventions against gender-based abuses, child abuse, and interventions which promoted familial disputed settlements, widowhood protection, child custody sensitizations and trainings on gender equity.
The HRCRC also implemented interventions which brought about access to justice. According to Fr Kelvin, most people in Nigeria do not have access to courts. The HRCRC was thus founded to liaise with the police and the minister of justice to ensure that every-person has access to courts regardless of their social-standing, carry out decongestion through jail deliveries and applying for bails in police cells and other detention centers, and conduct training for magistrates and other law enforcers.
On Counselling, Fr Kelvin mentioned that HRCRC has over 8 centers in Nigeria which provide counselling services. These counselling services promote awareness and appreciation of mental health.

In concluding his presentation Fr Kelvin was interested to know if Ungweru Organization does work in the areas mentioned. In answering this question, Samuel Phiri, the executive director of Ungweru Organisation, mentioned that Ungweru does, in part and not in entirety, work in the area of access to justice especially to vulnerable persons particularly women who are denied access to customary land. Samuel Phiri, also highlighted that Ungweru Organisation works in the area of peace building as done by HRCRC. In the area of access to justice Samuel Phiri affirmed that Ungweru Organisation will venture in providing justice to those in prisons.