Annual Report

FOREWARD

Human rights, as enshrined in International Treaties and Declarations, represent the cornerstone of Justice, Dignity and Equality. The promotion, protection, and enforcement of human rights is a task that transcends borders, governments and institutions. The importance of fostering a culture of human rights has been a central theme of global dialogue and action since the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, with the commitment to human rights being further strengthened by the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights.

Within this framework, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) have emerged as critical players in the global quest to safeguard the rights and freedom of individuals. These institutions play a fundamental role in promoting and defending human rights at the national level, serving as competent bodies for the redress of violations, as well as catalysts for education and awareness. Nigeria, recognizing the need for a strong national body to uphold the rights of its citizens, established the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 1995. This Commission was tasked with ensuring that the rights of every individual within Nigeria are respected, upheld and protected, while also playing an active role in fostering democratic values, accountability and the rule of law.

FOREWARD

The National Human Rights Commission witnessed yet another year of success in line with its Mandate and Strategic Plan. The year 2023, posed a number of challenges as Nigerians are still grappling with economic, social and political conditions that constrain the enjoinment of human rights by the citizenry; more so that it was an election year. I therefore wish to appreciate and congratulate the Governing Council members, Management, Staff and all stakeholders who contributed in various ways towards the successes recorded in this Report.

In the year under review, incidences of Insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, farmers/herders clashes continued unabated with the attendant number of internally displaced persons; attacks by unknown gunmen continued to increase. Agitation for self-determination in the South East and South West could not be contained. General insecurity and sky-rocketing inflation was the order of the day as prices of staples were out of reach of most Nigerians.

FOREWARD

The National Human Rights Commission witnessed yet another year of success in line with its Mandate and Strategic Plan. The 2022 year posed a number of challenges as Nigerians are still grappling with economic, social and political conditions that constrain the enjoinment of human rights by the citizenry. I therefore wish to appreciate and congratulate the Governing Council members, Management, Staff and all stakeholders who contributed in various ways towards the successes recorded in this Report.

In the year under review, incidences of Insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, farmers/herders clashes continued to increase with the attendant number of internally displaced persons; attacks by unknown gunmen continued to increase. Agitation for self-determination in the South East and South West could not be contained. General insecurity and sky-rocketing inflation was the order of the day as prices of staples were out of reach of most Nigerians.

FOREWARD

On behalf of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission, it is my pleasure to appreciate the efforts of the entire staff and management of the Commission for the good work done in 2021, which has been chronicled in this Annual Report. The year was remarkable in the life of the Commission as it saw the inauguration of the 5th Governing Council, after 5 years without a Council.

As a National Human Rights Institution, there is no gainsaying the fact that the year 2021 presented multifarious challenges to the Commission. In addition to the unrelenting insurgency, banditry, wave of kidnappings, farmers/herders clashes, increasing number of internally displaced persons, there was the emergence of the phenomenon of the unknown gunmen, agitation for self-determination in the South East and South West, agitations for Islamic State in the North East which contributed in no small measure to the general insecurity in the country. Spiraling inflation and shortages have also overpriced staples out of reach, in the wake of rising poverty. Particularly disturbing were growing incidences of attacks and various abuses against children in and outside institutions of learning. All these had their consequences on human rights and made the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria very challenging.