The Take It Back Movement (TIB) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled “State of Human Rights in Nigeria,” addressing the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
The report highlights various abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on civil liberties.
Further scrutiny reveals that the healthcare sector grapples with underfunding, receiving less than 5% of the national budget—far below international commitments. This financial strain, exacerbated by a healthcare brain drain and inadequate facilities, poses a significant challenge to the realization of citizens’ right to health.
The report further reveals dire prison conditions, with overcrowding and poor sanitation prevalent among a concerning number of inmates, including those on death row. Moreover, environmental issues pose significant threats to human rights as climate change leads to droughts and flooding, resulting in the displacement of millions.
While armed violence persists, with incidents like the killing of 37 civilians in Zamfara State and mass abductions of students, there are positive developments. Charges against prominent activists have been dropped, and accountability has been seen in a few police misconduct cases. Public awareness around human rights issues has grown, and the National Human Rights Commission demonstrated independence in high-profile cases. Some states have even started compensating victims of police brutality.
Overall, 2024 was a pivotal year for human rights in Nigeria, marked by significant challenges and emerging pockets of resistance and reform. The report emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action to reverse negative trends and strengthen human rights protections throughout Nigerian society.
Key Findings of the Report:
- Surge in human rights violations: The report details a significant increase in state violence, targeting activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens.
- Crackdown on digital rights: TIB expresses concerns over the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to silence dissenting voices, leading to arrests of over 50 journalists and activists in 2024.
- Forced evictions: Housing crises have deepened, with mass evictions disproportionately affecting marginalized groups and receiving inadequate government response.
- Gender-based violence: Cases of violence against women have surged by 40%, indicating a persistent crisis in protecting women’s rights.
- Pressing Challenges Faced by Healthcare Sector.
- Prison Condition, with Overcrowding and Poor Sanitation
- Environmental Issues that Pose Significant Threats to Human Rights.
See the Report: “State of Human Rights In Nigeria – https://drive.google.com/file/d/19zYqTp0AYDjoM82FFSAYZNOXpGhRAgf7/view?usp=drivesdk
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