Nigeria’s NHRC inaugurated the Human Rights Defenders Forum to tackle escalating rights violations. This initiative, developed with the European Union, aims to protect civil liberties and unite rights advocates amidst increasing government repression and widespread abuses. Security forces, notably the police and military, are under scrutiny, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgency of this new platform for dialogue and action.
In a significant move toward enhancing civil liberties, the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) launched the Human Rights Defenders Forum. This forum, established in collaboration with the European Union, aims to address the pressing issues of human rights violations within Nigeria. During a recent NHRC meeting, composed of various rights groups, stakeholders gathered not just to discuss alarming trends in human rights but to pave a pathway toward safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians, particularly those who advocate for others. The backdrop of this forum emerges amidst alarming accusations of human rights violations, which have intensified due to a crackdown on dissent and the ensuing detainment of minors involved in protests. Officials voiced heightened concerns regarding digital rights and gender-based violence, emphasizing that the Nigerian police and military have been critical contributors to these violations. NHRC Executive Director Anthony Ojukwu articulated the forum’s goals to ensure the safety and protection of civil liberties, underscoring the vital role of collaboration among rights defenders in addressing these common challenges. Moreover, the commission flagged a staggering number of human rights abuses, with over 1,700 reported kidnappings and 1,500 killings recorded in less than a year. High-ranking NHRC official Hilary Ogbonna pointed out the rising phenomena of child abandonment and the surge in sexual violence, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the crisis enveloping the nation. “The majority of these violators are the Nigerian police, the military, bandits and parents of children. We also saw an upsurge of sexual and gender-based violence,” he stated. Amid these tumultuous times, Damilola Decker from Global Rights highlighted the intertwined relationship between economic hardship and the erosion of civic space under the current administration. With increasing rates of crime and violence, he lamented the deteriorating conditions for journalists and the essential right to protest, framing the struggle for human rights in Nigeria as not only a legal battle but also a fundamental societal concern. In essence, this forum signifies a beacon of hope against a backdrop of encroaching darkness where rights for many have been undermined through economic strife and governmental overreach. It stands as a clarion call to unite various stakeholders toward restoring the dignity and rights of all individuals—a collective commitment to nurturing a just and equitable society.
The Human Rights Defenders Forum emerges from a critical moment in Nigeria, where infringement upon civil liberties has become increasingly prevalent. The NHRC has identified various sectors, including government forces, as significant contributors to this uptick in human rights abuses. Key issues such as police brutality, gender-based violence, and rampant insecurity showcase the urgent need for organized efforts to monitor and defend human rights across the nation. This forum acts as a pivotal platform for collaboration among diverse human rights defenders aimed at fostering dialogue and actionable solutions to these challenges.
The NHRC’s establishment of the Human Rights Defenders Forum is a critical response to the alarming rise in civil liberty violations in Nigeria. By gathering various stakeholders, the forum aims to address significant challenges while fostering a united front for advocacy and change. Amidst the rising tide of insecurity, economic hardship, and governmental overreach, this initiative represents a vital step toward restoring the fundamental rights of Nigerians and ensuring that their voices are heard and protected.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
