Advancing Human Rights of Citizens through Community Advocacy

Building Bridges On JayFM 101.9

Human Right as enshrined in the constitution stipulates the right of everyone to basics of existence as human. It is universal and must be respected by all for mutual coexistence. Human Rights stipulates the minimum standards for human behavior which are guaranteed by local and international laws. The international Bill of Rights outlines basic Human rights to include; The right to equality and freedom of discrimination, the right to life, liberty, and personal security, Freedom from torture and degrading treatment, the right to fair trial, the right privacy, freedom of belief and religion and freedom of opinion among others.

The Human Rights Commission exist to ensure that minimum global standards are met in terms of protecting the rights of citizens. However, the recently released 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria by the US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour observed Significant human rights abuses in Nigeria to include: unlawful and arbitrary killings by both government and non-state actors; forced disappearances by the government, terrorists, and criminal groups; torture and cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the government and terrorist groups; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary detention by government and non-state actors; political prisoners; serious problems with the independence of the judiciary; arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy; serious abuses in an internal conflict, including killing and torture of civilians; serious restrictions on free expression, the press, and the internet, including the existence of criminal libel laws; substantial interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, severe restrictions on religious freedom; serious acts of corruption among others. Several stakeholders had spoked out against existing Human rights abuses in Nigeria. But the government had in its usual manner downplayed such allegations.

In view of all these, what is the impact of these rights abuses on freedom of expression by citizens? How does it affect community advocacy for development? How can CSOs and FBOs be strengthened to promote and protect the rights of citizens from being trampled by state and non-state actors alike? How can citizens be better enlightened about their Fundamental rights? How can citizens be advocates of Human rights as we seek to unite our communities for Peace and security? How can existing platforms for protecting the rights of citizens be leveraged?

All these and many more will form the basis of our discussion on this edition of Building Bridges as we highlight issues from relevant sections of the 2020 Country Report on Human Right Practices in Nigeria with Barr. Matthew Bala.