CSW Nigeria Trains Human Rights Defenders in Katsina

The Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) Nigeria organized a four-day training program in Katsina State, aimed at equipping human rights defenders with psychosocial support skills. The training, which began on a Wednesday, involved clergymen, lawyers, community leaders, victims, survivors, and journalists.

Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the Chief Executive Officer of CSW Nigeria, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health needs in high-pressure environments where human rights defenders operate. The program aimed to strengthen psychological resilience and provide coping mechanisms for stress, trauma, anxiety, and burnout.

Participants were encouraged to integrate mental health considerations into their operational frameworks and were taught basic counseling techniques. Agera Teman Liti, the Chief Operating Officer of CSW Nigeria, urged participants to build emotional resilience and social support practices.

Pastor Samuel Obagbadegun highlighted the necessity for human rights defenders to prioritize their emotional well-being to sustain their advocacy efforts. The training included interactive exercises and scenario-based learning to apply psychosocial tools effectively.