ISHR continues its advocacy for the adoption of the Defenders’ law in Nigeria

Nigeria is actively considering strengthening its legal protections of human rights defenders (HRDs) in the country. The draft bill on the protection of HRDs in Nigeria, inspired by the Model Law on HRDs, and supported by civil society organisations, has already gone through two readings by the legislators of the House of Representatives of Nigeria.

The International Service for Human Rights, in partnership with Development Dynamics, organised a discussion and advocacy workshop on the bill on the recognition and protection of HRDs in Nigeria. The workshop aimed to sustain this dynamic and support national actors to ensure that the draft bill is in compliance with international standards. The participants included legislators and clerks who discussed the different sections of the bill that may be subject to debate during the upcoming third reading.

Confirming the willingness of the legislators to protect Nigerian HRDs, the Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights recognised, in his remarks, the importance of implementing human rights and protecting HRDs to achieve the safeguard of the rule of law and democratic institutions. 

Considering the exposure of Nigerian HRDs to attacks,  the adoption of this bill will provide adapted tools and mechanisms for their protection in the country. 

Furthermore, ISHR recommends that HRDs protection laws uphold principles of non-discrimination and equality towards the actors it protects, and that these laws are in line with international norms and standards for HRDs protection as set out in the Model Law as well as the Declaration +25.