On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre (Law Hub) issued a press statement today, highlighting human rights challenges facing Nigeria in 2024.
The organisation’s press statement, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” details various critical issues affecting Nigerian citizens, from economic disparities to ongoing security challenges and systemic inequalities.
According to the statement, over 40% of Nigerians continue to live below the poverty line, with women and youth bearing the brunt of economic hardships. The organisation highlighted persistent gender inequalities, noting that women and girls face significant discrimination in education, employment, and political representation.
Conflict remains a major concern, particularly in the Northeast region, where insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts have displaced thousands and exposed minority communities to systematic violence. The lingering impact of the 2020 EndSARS protests continues to underscore deep-rooted challenges in law enforcement and human rights protection.
“Despite these formidable obstacles, Nigerian civil society, human rights defenders, and citizens remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, equality, and fundamental human freedoms,” the statement reads.
Key recommendations from Law Hub include strengthening legal frameworks, investing in inclusive economic development, and enhancing accountability mechanisms for human rights violations. The organisation called on the Nigerian government and the international community to take concrete actions to protect vulnerable populations.
Freedom of expression remains a critical issue, with journalists and activists continuing to face harassment and intimidation. The judicial system was also criticised for prolonged pre-trial detentions and limited access to legal representation for marginalised communities.
Despite the challenging landscape, the report struck a tone of cautious optimism. It emphasised the resilience of the Nigerian people and their ongoing commitment to advancing human rights.
The organisation’s concluding message resonated with the day’s theme: “Our rights are not a distant aspiration but an immediate necessity. Our future depends on our collective action, today and now.”
For more information, the full statement is available from the Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre’s website.
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