Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has decried the persistent violations of human rights in Nigeria, saying the ugly trend has denied the country a place in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Monday, the rights group expressed deep worry that Nigeria’s latest attempt to join the UNHRC was unsuccessful due to the sorry state of human rights situation in the country.
According to the group, “Nigeria, a nation with immense potential, has unfortunately faced persistent challenges with human rights violations. This has not only hindered its ability to secure a seat on the UNHRC but has also raised serious concerns within the international community. Our organization, HURIWA continues to monitor the situation closely.”
“Nigeria has grappled with some of the highest cases of human rights violations, including official misappropriation of budgets meant for critical sectors such as health, education, and road infrastructure. Tragically, these violations have resulted in early and avoidable deaths of hundreds of citizens, undermining their fundamental right to life,” the group stated.
It noted, “There are alarming reports of political opponents being detained, including the erstwhile CBN Governor, and the controversial circumstances surrounding the resignation of Abdulrasheed Bawa. These incidents raise significant concerns regarding political freedoms and due process in the country.”
According to the group, “The extrajudicial execution of suspects by the police has reached an alarming peak, reflecting a dire need for comprehensive reform within the law enforcement agencies. Regrettably, the Police Service Commission appears ill-equipped and incompetent to effectively indict, prosecute, and punish individuals responsible for these crimes, especially those in police uniforms.”
“The civil rights group strongly urges the Nigerian government to address these pressing human rights issues, demonstrating a genuine commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms. We call upon the government to take meaningful steps towards transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
“It is our hope that Nigeria will work tirelessly to overcome these challenges and earn a place on the international stage as a responsible member of the UNHRC, dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the rights of all citizens,” the group added.
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