The Functions of The Commission
The functions of the Commission as contained in section 4 (1) (a) to (L) of Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens Rights Commission Law, 2018 are as follows:
1. Provision of legal aid and other services related thereto, including legal representation in criminal and civil matters in court.
2. Receiving complaints directly from individuals or by referral from government agencies, public institutions, and private institutions in the state.
3. Investigation of complaints or referrals made to it in collaboration with Enforcement Agencies;
4. Resolution of matters brought before it by way of alternative dispute resolution;
5. Dealing with all matters relating to the protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
6. Monitor and investigate all alleged cases of human rights violation in the State and make appropriate recommendations to the Governor for the prosecution and such other actions as it may deem expedient in each circumstance;
7. Assist victims of human rights violations and seek appropriate redress and remedies on their behalf;
8. Undertake studies on all matters pertaining to human rights and assist the State Government in the formulation of appropriate policies in the guarantee of human rights;
9. Publish, from time to time, reports on the state of human rights protection in the State
10. Prepare necessary legal documents, negotiate settlements, or give legal advice necessary to fulfill the purpose of this law;
11. Publicize its services by informing and sensitizing the public (about its services); and
12. Doing all that is necessary and incidental towards the realization of her functions under this Law.
In addition, Section 44 of the VAPP Law vests the enforcement of the VAPP Law with PDCRC and to that effect PDCRC has the responsibility of:
1. Enforcing and implementing the provisions of the VAPP Law, 2022.
2. Appointing a coordinator for the prevention of domestic violence who shall through the office, submit an Annual Report to the Kogi State Government on the implementation of this law, a copy of which shall be deposited with Kogi State Government and the Kogi State House of Assembly,
3. Carrying out Alternative Dispute Resolution in deserving cases.
4. Putting in place mechanisms to disseminate the provisions of the VAPP Law.