The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has successfully hosted the 2026 Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum on the State of Human Rights in Abuja.
Held on November 11, 2026, at the Buhari Bello Auditorium, NHRC Headquarters, under the theme *“Protecting Human Rights in Civic and Political Spaces in the 2027 Elections,”* the forum brought together civil society organisations, human rights defenders, media practitioners, development partners and other stakeholders to examine critical human rights concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opening plenary featured goodwill messages and a keynote address by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), highlighting the importance of protecting democratic freedoms and strengthening civic participation in the electoral process.
The forum also featured three thematic sessions focusing on:
- Civic and Political Freedoms: Addressing restrictions on freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and political participation.
- Media Freedom and Digital Rights: Examining online surveillance, censorship, digital intimidation and the protection of journalists and human rights defenders.
- Electoral Violence and Political Intimidation: Exploring early warning mechanisms, prevention strategies, accountability and institutional responses to election-related violations.
Through interactive discussions, participants examined emerging challenges, shared perspectives and explored practical approaches to protecting fundamental freedoms and strengthening democratic participation.
A key highlight was the adoption of recommendations and an outcome roadmap to guide efforts towards protecting human rights before, during and after the 2027 elections. The forum also featured an award presentation recognising participants and acknowledging their contributions to the engagement.
The conversations reinforced the importance of collective responsibility, institutional accountability and sustained collaboration in ensuring that civic and political spaces remain open, safe and inclusive as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
Protecting human rights is a collective responsibility. Safeguarding civic space is essential to safeguarding democracy.
