The Nigerian NHRC has launched the Human Rights Defenders Forum to combat rising human rights violations in the country. Created in partnership with the European Union, the forum will connect various rights groups to protect civil liberties, address challenges, and foster unity among defenders. Discussions have highlighted police and military roles in these violations during a time of increasing insecurity and economic hardship.
In an urgent bid to combat rampant human rights violations in Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently launched the Human Rights Defenders Forum in Abuja. This significant initiative, established in collaboration with the European Union, aims to create a united front for various human rights groups, ensuring the protection of civil liberties in a country grappling with increasing oppression. As representatives gathered to discuss the alarming state of human rights, NHRC Executive Director Anthony Ojukwu remarked on the dual purpose of the meeting: to evaluate current conditions and to explore pathways for securing civil liberties. The forum not only seeks to protect those advocating for rights but also aims to foster a democratic environment allowing all Nigerians to thrive. This gathering comes on the heels of a concerning surge in human rights abuses, including harsh crackdowns on peaceful protests. Furthermore, discussions highlighted pressing topics such as digital rights, privacy, and the increase in sexual and gender-based violence alongside a staggering rise in cases of child abandonment. Hilary Ogbonna, a senior NHRC adviser, pointed out that security forces, including the police and military, are major contributors to these violations, underscoring a troubling reality that demands attention. The NHRC has documented over 1,700 kidnapping cases and around 1,500 killings within a mere nine months, reflecting an unsettling climate of insecurity. Damilola Decker from Global Rights voiced her concerns, linking the deterioration of human rights to economic challenges under the current administration. Decker poignantly remarked on the broader implications of civic space under attack, with journalists facing hostility and the right to protest increasingly threatened. By establishing the Human Rights Defenders Forum, the NHRC hopes to not only address these violations but also to cultivate a community of advocates. This initiative represents a critical moment for Nigeria, calling for resilience and unity as the nation navigates these turbulent waters of rights advocacy and social justice.
The Human Rights Defenders Forum is rooted in the need to address escalating human rights abuses in Nigeria, where civil liberties are increasingly under threat. Recent months have seen a worrying trend of crackdowns on protests and rising instances of violence against vulnerable groups, including children. With the NHRC graced with the partnership of the European Union, this forum aims to provide crucial support to rights defenders and enhance the visibility of these pressing issues. As Nigeria confronts a military implicated in extrajudicial actions, the backdrop is colored by socioeconomic instability, which further strains the fabric of human rights within the country.
The launch of the Human Rights Defenders Forum marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for civil liberties and human rights. By promoting dialogue and fostering cooperation among various organizations, the forum aims to combat violations and advocate for change in an environment fraught with challenges. With security forces identified as significant violators and a backdrop of economic distress, the journey ahead demands courage, solidarity, and persistent efforts to safeguard the rights of every Nigerian citizen.
Original Source: allafrica.com
