By Bunmi Yekini
As Nigeria joined the global community to mark International Human Rights Day, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has urged Federal and State Governments to make human rights a tangible reality for all citizens. The organization emphasized that fulfilling constitutional and international obligations on human rights would rebuild public trust, foster national unity, and unlock Nigeria’s full potential.
In a statement issued in Lagos, MRA lamented the country’s deteriorating human rights situation. “Nigeria has become a jungle where only the fittest survive, and human life has little value,” said Ms. Esther Adeniyi, MRA’s Programme Officer.
She criticized the Federal Government’s handling of human rights, citing rising cases of extrajudicial killings, police brutality, gender-based violence, and restrictions on freedom of expression. “The government cannot claim to uphold its obligations under international law while these challenges persist,” Ms. Adeniyi stated.
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MRA highlighted escalating attacks on journalists and media professionals as a major concern. “The Federal Government must investigate these attacks, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure a safe environment for media practitioners,” Ms Adeniyi urged.
The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. Ms. Adeniyi stressed, “The voices of Nigerians demanding justice and accountability can no longer fall on deaf ears. Governments must uphold the rights and freedoms of all individuals, irrespective of their background or status.”
She called on the government to make a public commitment to:
- Respect and protect citizens’ fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution and international treaties.
- End impunity by holding human rights violators accountable, addressing police and military misconduct, and compensating victims.
- Safeguard democratic freedoms, including the right to free expression, peaceful protest, and participation in governance without fear of persecution.
- Tackle gender-based violence through stronger legal frameworks, better enforcement mechanisms, and support systems for survivors.
The MRA’s statement challenges authorities to use the occasion of Human Rights Day as a turning point in creating a more just and equitable Nigeria. “By taking decisive action, the government can ensure that human rights are not just promises on paper but a lived reality for all Nigerians,” Ms. Adeniyi concluded.