UN Web TV
On 25 October 2026, a delegation from the Government of Niger presented its report to the Human Rights Council as part of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. Of the 265 recommendations received, Niger took note of 11 and accepted 254, including 23 relating to the protection of human rights defenders and their working environment.
Despite Niger’s efforts to protect human rights defenders (HRDs) within its territory through the significant adoption of the Law on the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights Defenders in 2022, the law is struggling to be effectively implemented. This statement therefore highlighted with concern the gap between commitments and the reality on ground, characterised by a persistent deterioration in civic space, as detailed in the joint report submitted.
Whilst independent civil society organisations face threats of dissolution and administrative restrictions on their activities, intimidation, judicial harassment and arbitrary arrests – based on repressive provisions of the Criminal Code and Ordinance No. 2010-05 on cybercrime – continue against human rights defenders, journalists and civil society actors. Freedom of assembly is subject to authorisation requests, which are systematically refused on security grounds.
ISHR has therefore recommended:
Immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms, and cease all intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders and journalists.
The full video statement is available here
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