Press Statement by the Human Rights Pathfinders Association
Date: December 10, 2024
On the occasion of this year’s Human Rights Day, the Human Rights Pathfinders Association (HURPA) joins the global community in reflecting on the progress made and the work that remains in advancing the protection of human rights worldwide, The Courage.
Human Rights Day is an important reminder that the universal dignity of every individual is not just a principle but a fundamental right that must be upheld by governments, institutions, and individuals alike.
In light of this, HURPA takes this moment to express grave concern about the continued human rights challenges in Nigeria, particularly regarding the actions of the government, law enforcement agencies, and state authorities. Nigeria, as a signatory to numerous international human rights treaties and conventions, has an obligation to uphold and protect the rights of its citizens in all spheres of life.
However, the situation on the ground in Nigeria paints a troubling picture. State actors, including law enforcement agencies and other government bodies, have been repeatedly implicated in human rights violations, ranging from extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, and police brutality, to curtailing the freedoms of speech, assembly, and the press. These actions have created an environment of fear and insecurity for ordinary Nigerians, who have been denied their fundamental rights to life, liberty, and justice.
HURPA calls on the Nigerian government, the Nigerian Police Force, and state authorities to take immediate and decisive action to:
1. Prioritize Human Rights Protection: The government must place human rights at the forefront of its agenda, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or political beliefs.
2. End Police Brutality and Abuse of Power: We call for urgent reforms within the Nigerian Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to end the systemic violence, abuse, and extrajudicial killings that have marred their reputation. We demand accountability for officers found guilty of human rights violations.
3. Respect Freedoms of Expression, Assembly, and Association: The Nigerian government must ensure that its citizens can express themselves freely, organize peacefully, and engage in public discourse without fear of harassment, intimidation, or retaliation.
4. Ensure Access to Justice: Human rights defenders, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians must be guaranteed access to justice, and all forms of impunity for human rights violations must be thoroughly addressed. Independent and effective mechanisms for the investigation and prosecution of violations must be in place.
5. Strengthen Civil Society Participation: The Nigerian government must ensure that civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and community leaders are supported and protected in their efforts to hold the government accountable and advocate for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
As we mark Human Rights Day, we remind the Nigerian government, law enforcement agencies, and state authorities that the protection of human rights is not a mere formality but a solemn duty. The continued failure to address these issues threatens the peace, security, and stability of the nation, as well as the basic rights of the people. The Human Rights Pathfinders Association stands firm in its commitment to advocating for justice, equality, and human dignity for all Nigerians. We urge all stakeholders, both within and outside of Nigeria, to join us in holding the Nigerian government accountable for its human rights obligations and to ensure that the promises of justice and equality are upheld…
