The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the tragic killing of protesting women in Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa state and called for thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances.
It maintained that the action amounted to grave violations of fundamental inalienable rights of every Nigerian.
The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, noted that it is more embarrassing as it coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women and three days to the Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.
In a statement condemning the incident, Ojukwu expressed profound shock and deep sorrow over the tragic killing of the protesting women and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, and to all those wounded and traumatized by this heinous act.
In the statement , the Commission demanded a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings; Identify and hold to account all those responsible — including command-level officers— and ensure they face appropriate criminal prosecution; Provide full reparations and support to the victims, their families and the communities affected; Guarantee that no similar incident happens again, by enforcing strict adherence to legal standards on use of force, and by facilitating the safe exercise of citizens’ rights to protest, assembly, and expression.
According to Ojukwu, “This act of violence is even the more embarrassing as it comes during the global 16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women and three days to the Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.
“The killings violate multiple obligations and provisions of Nigerian and international law, including but not limited to: Domestic law (Constitution). The right to life, dignity and personal security as guaranteed under sections 33 and 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association guaranteed under section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
“International and regional human-rights instruments. As a State Party, Nigeria is bound by several fundamental treaties and conventions. The killings contravene: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), including Article 6 (right to life) and Article 21 (right to peaceful assembly) among others.
“The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), particularly the right to life, dignity, and to assemble peacefully.
“Furthermore, the pattern of violence against peaceful protesters undermines the protective mandate of the NHRC, which exists to uphold these very rights under its enabling legislation.”
The NHRC Executive Secretary also recalled that on the 31st of July, the NHRC has issued an “Advisory on the Protection of the Right to Freedom of Association and Assembly in Nigeria” where it stated the principles and values underpinning these twin freedoms as cornerstones of our democracy. It is our strongest view that where the Freedom of Assembly is violated, the very foundation of our democracy is attacked.
Ojukwu maintained that the Commission affirmed that the killing of protesting women whether done by members of the Armed Forces as alleged by many accounts or by Non-State Actors violates the very essence of our humanity – the right to life.
Further, the Commission demands that: The Federal and State Governments should commit to respecting and protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, and immediately review security-sector protocols to prevent excessive use of force; Measures for reparation and psychosocial support be made available to survivors and
families of victims; Civic-education and human-rights awareness programmes be scaled up — especially in conflict-prone areas — to rebuild public trust and reinforce the legitimacy of peaceful protest as a tool for social change; The Federal Government should fast-track the adoption of the National Policy on
Protection of Civilians in Conflict Situations; The Adamawa State Government initiates as a matter of urgency peacebuilding and
conflict resolution mechanisms to resolve on-going inter-communal conflicts in the
state.
The NHRC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending the inalienable rights of all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.
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