The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has expressed its readiness to monitor the proposed nationwide protest billed to commence today, August 1. However, the Commission cautioned Nigerian security operatives against human rights abuses during the protest.
This was stated by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Anthony Ojukwu. He pointed out that the NHRC would monitor the protest closely as part of its commitment to protecting human rights during the demonstrations.
The Executive Secretary disclosed this during a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. He also used the occasion to give an update on the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violation in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North-East.
According to him, protests and peaceful assemblies offer an opportunity for the people to participate in shaping their societies and upholding the principles of democracy.
“The protest stemmed from the discontent of many Nigerians about deepening economic hardship in the country.
“The situation is believed to be a fallout of the key economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Therefore, the protest #EndBadGovernance has gained significant attention. And igniting counter-narratives among social media users, political stakeholders, and human rights activists nationwide.
Ojukwu, therefore, urged the Federal and State Governments, law enforcement officers, and protesters to uphold the principles that promote peaceful assemblies.
He also cautioned law enforcement officers against the use of force. And charged them to respect the rights of protesters and to protect them against criminals.
“The NHRC calls on all parties to avoid actions that could endanger public safety. Or damage private and public property as well as undermine Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
The Executive Secretary also used the event to give an update on the ongoing investigation by the Commission.
He noted that in 2022, Reuters published a report that alleged that the Nigerian army, since 2013, had perpetrated human rights violations during counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.
“The alleged abuses included illegal abortion programmes that resulted in the termination of over 10,000 pregnancies. The killing of children and assaults on women in the Northeast region.
Ojukwu stated that report necessitated the setting up the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violation in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North-East (SIIP North-East).
He noted that the mandate of the panel is to investigate the allegations made by Reuters.
“The panel is also expected to make recommendations for compensation in established cases of violations. And to prosecute culpable persons for rights abuses in deserving situations,” he said.
In his submission, a senior human rights adviser to the NHRC, Hilary Ogbonna, said 190 witnesses had testified. These figure cuts across Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa States as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
He noted that among the witnesses were 39 women and 147 men. Out of which, 77 per cent were civilians, and 23 per cent were military personnel.
“I would like to inform you that we are almost done with the report,” Ogbonna said.
He, however, added that the panel has faced challenges since its inauguration in 2023.
Ogbonna also stated that Reuters, which published the report alleging human rights abuses, had not appeared before the panel.
Ogbonna who doubles as the Secretary of the Panel also informed that the insecurity in the North-east is still rife. He noted that the development has hindered them from visiting some intended locations considered necessary for the investigation.
source: Premium Times
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