The UPR is a mechanism under the United Nations Human Rights Council during which the human rights records of all United Nations Member States are reviewed periodically. In 2019, Nigeria underwent its 3rd UPR review, and the report recommended various measures to tackle human rights violations in the country.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged the recommendations and has committed to implementing them. Some of the recommendations include the abolition of the death penalty, improving prison conditions, ending torture, promoting freedom of expression, and addressing the issues of gender-based violence and discrimination against vulnerable groups.
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, that it is committed to addressing issues of human rights violations in the country.
Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, made the remarks at the 4th cycle of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) engagement with stakeholders in Abuja.
Jedy-Agba, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, said the meeting would help contribute to the country’s ability to develop an objective and independent report on the efforts to promote and protect human rights in compliance with international obligations
“We have done all that has been recommended by the UN to ensure that there is a proper engagement so that we are not just presenting a desk talk representation of the human rights situation in Nigeria.
“So we are engaging strategically with members of the public, the media, civil society organisations (CSOs), and government officials, to get their ideas and recommendations on how far we have gone and where we should be going, particularly in relation to areas that have been pointed out following the 3rd Cycle review of the country,” she said.
The government has also set up various agencies and committees to address human rights issues, such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Presidential Panel on the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Reform.
There have been some improvements in the human rights situation in Nigeria, such as the release of some political prisoners and the reduction in the use of torture by law enforcement officials. However, there is still much work to be done, especially in areas such as police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and persecution of minorities.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government has committed to addressing human rights violations in the country, and it is important for all stakeholders to hold the government accountable to ensure that the commitments are met.
Comments
Post a Comment
Drop your comment here.