(Geneva) – In a briefing paper published today ISHR expresses its concern about the repression of human rights defenders in Nigeria by both the government, for legitimate dissent, and by Boko Haram, for seeking to expose alleged atrocities.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Nigeria is scheduled to be reviewed at the 56th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights from 21 April – 7 May 2015.
In March 2014, the African Commission issued Resolution 267 on the Human Rights Situation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Resolution 267 strongly condemns violence and attacks against civilians committed by armed groups. It also calls upon the Nigerian Government to ensure that military operations in response to the terrorist activities of Boko Haram comply with regional and international human rights standards.
Especially vulnerable are human rights defenders working on LGBTI issues, women human rights defenders and journalists.
Key recommendations that should be made to Nigeria during its review include that the Government refrain from criminalising the legitimate activities of human rights defenders, ensure transparent investigations of all violations against human rights defenders, and pursue the prosecution of perpetrators.
ISHR’s briefing paper on the situation of human rights defenders in Nigeria is intended to highlight the situation for human rights defenders in Nigeria since its last review by the African Commission; the steps taken by the Nigeria to implement the African Commission’s past recommendations; and key recommendations for the African Commission to consider making to Nigeria during its current review.
For further information about the briefing paper or for any assistance or advice in the formulation of recommendations, please contact ISHR’s Clement Voulé, on [email protected].
