“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024

Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre (Law Hub), an independent, non-governmental organisation with the primary objective of advancing respect for human rights, rule of law, and justice, is compelled to critically examine the state of human rights in Nigeria, reflecting on the year’s theme: “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”
On this International Human Rights Day, we stand in solidarity with the Nigerian people, reflecting on the critical challenges and enduring resilience in the pursuit of fundamental human rights across the nation, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.

Overview of Human Rights Challenges in Nigeria
Persistent Systemic Inequalities
Nigeria confronts profound human rights challenges that demand urgent and comprehensive action across multiple critical dimensions:
Economic Disparities: Widespread poverty continues to marginalise millions, particularly in rural and conflict-affected regions. Over 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, with women and youth disproportionately affected by economic inequalities.
Gender Inequality: Women and girls confront persistent discrimination in education, employment, and political representation. Despite constitutional protections, harmful traditional practices and limited economic opportunities continue to undermine gender equality. Gender-based violence remains a critical human rights issue. Women continue to face sexual violence, while children remain vulnerable to trafficking, child labour, early marriage, and limited access to quality education.
Conflict and Security: Ongoing challenges in the North-East, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts have resulted in significant human rights violations. These conditions have displaced thousands, disrupted community structures, and exposed minority communities to systematic discrimination, violence, and displacement.
Freedom of Expression: Journalists, activists, and civil society organisations continue to face challenges in exercising their fundamental rights to free speech and peaceful assembly, with numerous instances of harassment and intimidation.

Legacy of Structural Challenges
The echoes of the 2020 EndSARS protests continue to reverberate through Nigeria’s social and political landscape. Despite promises of reform, law enforcement agencies remain plagued by widespread human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and excessive use of force.
The judicial system struggles with fundamental issues of independence, efficiency, and accessibility. Prolonged pre-trial detentions, limited access to legal representation for marginalised communities, and a culture of impunity undermine the basic principles of justice and fair hearing.

Resilience and Hope
Despite these formidable obstacles, Nigerian civil society, human rights defenders, and citizens remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, equality, and fundamental human freedoms. The Nigerian people have consistently shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and commitment to advancing human rights.

Call to Action and Commitments
The Nigerian government and civil society must collaborate to:

• Strengthen legal and institutional frameworks that protect marginalised communities.
• Invest in inclusive economic and social development.
• Promote educational opportunities for underserved populations.
• Enhance accountability mechanisms for human rights violations.
• Support grassroots initiatives that empower local communities.
• Protect human rights defenders and ensure their ability to operate without fear.

To the international community, we emphasise the importance of continued support, constructive engagement, and solidarity with Nigeria’s human rights initiatives.

Conclusion
On this International Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our collective commitment to the principle that human rights are universal, inalienable, and fundamental to human dignity. Our rights are not a distant aspiration but an immediate necessity.
Our future depends on our collective action, today and now.

LawHub Development & Advocacy Centre
(Law Hub)
December 10, 2024