Nigeria: Information on a Nigerian group called "Human Rights Watch," and its relationship, if any, with Campaign for Democracy (follow-up to NGA27688.E of 26 August 1997)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1998 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | NGA28592.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Nigeria: Information on a Nigerian group called "Human Rights Watch," and its relationship, if any, with Campaign for Democracy (follow-up to NGA27688.E of 26 August 1997), 1 January 1998, NGA28592.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aaf344.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a 24 June 1996 Associated Press (AP) dispatch, Tunji Abayomi, leader of "Africa human rights watch," was released from prison by the Nigerian authorities on 21 July 1996. The authorities released Abayomi at the same time as they released Abdul Oro, described as a "leading Nigerian lawyer." Both had been arrested in July 1995. The releases were described as a response on the part of the Nigerian government to Commonwealth concerns about that government's human rights record.
A 25 June 1996 Agence France Presse (AFP) dispatch also reports on the releases of Oro (Oroh) and Abayomi, and refers to Abayomi as "the attorney of detained former head of state Olusegun Obasanjo and chairman of the Nigerian branch of Human Rights Africa."
According to a database produced by Human Rights Internet on 22 February 1996, there is an organization called Human Rights Africa (HRA), based in Nigeria, the chairperson of which is Dr. Olatunji O. Abayomi. The objectives of HRA are to
support the protection and preservation of human rights in Africa as defined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and the rights provisions contained in African constitutions; sensitize African governments to human rights; support appropriate national bodies in Africa working for human rights; conduct research which will help advance human rights in Africa; join with committed Africans to work on a continental level; provide a link between the African people and international bodies interested in the preservation and protection of human rights; conduct seminars and educate Africans about their rights; and present position papers on the state of human rights in Africa. ... HRA's initial achievements included the opening in early 1990 of an African Library for Human Rights and the holding of a national conference on "Democracy and the Rights of Man in Nigeria" (1990). It currently has programs in three areas: education; civil and political rights; and economic, social and cultural rights. Most of its activities have been based in Nigeria but it has organized a training workshop for West African leaders and local government officials. It gives out an annual service award.
The Research Directorate's repeated efforts to contact Africa Human Rights and Campaign for Democracy by fax and telephone were unsuccessful.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Agence France Presse (AFP). 25 June 1996. Allen Nacheman. "Commonwealth Sanctions Against Nigeria Held in Abeyance Pending Talks." (Global NewsBank)
Associated Press (AP). 24 June 1996. "A Nigerian delegation opened talks..." (NEXIS)
HRIO Database ( Nigeria. 22 February 1996. Ottawa: Human Rights Internet.
