Rising human rights violations in Nigeria: Urgent calls for Govt action

The latest findings unveiled by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) during its monthly dashboard meeting paint a concerning picture of human rights violations in Nigeria, specifically in March 2024.

The alarming figure of 1,580 recorded violations across the nation’s six geopolitical zones is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in upholding fundamental rights.

Of particular concern is the North Central region, which emerged as the hotspot for violations, reporting 468 cases. This revelation underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and heightened awareness in this area to curb such abuses.

Equally troubling is the revelation that State Actors, including the police, military, and Department of State Service (DSS), were implicated in 94 violations. Among these were distressing incidents such as the killings of security personnel in Delta State, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The breakdown provided by the NHRC reveals disturbing trends, with 542 cases involving violations of children’s rights and 471 cases of domestic violence, signaling a worrying trend that demands immediate attention and action.

Furthermore, the involvement of non-state and private actors in 32 and 36 violations respectively underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address human rights abuses across all sectors of society.

It is also disheartening to note that three cases of rights violations were recorded against disabled individuals, emphasising the importance of ensuring the protection and inclusion of all members of society.

Beyond these specific categories, the NHRC’s report also sheds light on violations impacting social, economic, and cultural rights, with 157 cases identified. Additionally, the 24 referred cases highlight the complexities involved in addressing such violations and the importance of collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

In light of these findings, it is imperative that concerted efforts are made to address the root causes of human rights violations and to implement measures aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals in Nigeria. Only through collective action can meaningful progress be achieved in building a society. In a solemn address at the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the Senior Human Rights Adviser, Hilary Ogbonna, delivered a sobering message. He revealed that a grim tally of 499 lives were lost to violence and abduction, with an additional 71 souls stripped of their fundamental right to life during the reviewed period.

Ogbonna’s words echoed with the chilling reality of 301 schoolchildren vanishing into the night’s grip in Kaduna State alone. Meanwhile, the silent screams of 40 souls extinguished in Benue State, and four lives cruelly cut short in Nasarawa State during the distribution of much-needed palliatives, reverberated through the nation’s consciousness.

These violations, ranging from killings to kidnappings, domestic violence to abductions, and the vulnerable children’s rights trampled upon, cast a shadow over the fabric of society.

As the ink of these harrowing accounts dries on the pages of our collective history, our hearts are heavy with dismay. The sanctity of life, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is under siege in myriad forms, exposing the fragility of peace within our borders.

The sobering revelation that Nigeria languishes among the least peaceful nations on the Global Peace Index further punctuates the urgency of the matter. Despite over two decades of democratic governance and the noble ideals of the UDHR, our nation grapples with the weight of human rights abuses, laid bare for the world to witness.

At its core, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights beckons humanity to embrace freedom from oppression, active participation in decision-making, and the assurance of basic necessities. Yet, these foundational principles remain elusive for many, casting a long shadow over the promise of a just society.

As we confront these challenges head-on, let us not forget the indomitable spirit of resilience that resides within our people.

Together, let us forge a path towards a future where every life is cherished, and every right is upheld with unwavering resolve. Since its declaration, it has become fashionable for most countries of the world, Nigeria inclusive, to entrench the catalogue of rights in their constitutions.

But, regrettably, in Nigeria, and indeed Africa, people are usually subjected to physical and mental torture ranging from cases of accidental discharge and other forms of police brutality, domestic violence, kidnappings as well as detention without trial.

There is no gainsaying it that insecurity has continued to manifest in virtually all parts of the country in the form of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal conflicts, resulting in the loss of lives and property.

We are not unaware that violations of rights that guarantee personal freedom are further worsened by the apparent lack of remedies for the victims, whether in the form of compensation or access to justice for the wrong done. With increasing cases of human rights abuses, citizens’ trust in the Nigerian system has continued to dwindle, making it difficult for victims to come forward and seek justice.

The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to personal liberty which implies that human rights are the fundamental features of any true democratic setting. While we recognise the efforts made by nations towards safeguarding these freedoms, it is equally essential to acknowledge the persistent obstacles that hinder their full realisation.

Some of these obstacles may arise from legislative constraints, societal prejudices, or systemic shortcomings. Whatever is the case, justice demands that collective attention and concerted efforts be made to dismantle them.

We feel compelled to highlight the multitude of obstacles facing our nation, ranging from insecurity and separatist tensions to egregious acts such as torture, illegal detention, extortion, and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, the pervasive challenges of limited access to justice, manipulation of the court system, and the alarming disregard for court orders compound the hardships faced by citizens. Coupled with the escalating cost of living and deteriorating living conditions, these factors undermine the ability of individuals to lead secure and fulfilling lives.

It is crucial to emphasise the pivotal role that safeguarding human rights plays in nurturing vibrant democracies, fostering social cohesion, and celebrating diversity.