Nigeria: Long overdue judicial commission to probe human rights violations is set up
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 5 August 2017 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Nigeria: Long overdue judicial commission to probe human rights violations is set up, 5 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59882cf24.html [accessed 20 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. |
Responding to Nigeria's acting President Prof Yemi Osinbajo setting up of a judicial commission to review compliance of armed forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria said:
"We welcome the setting up of the judicial commission and its mandate to investigate alleged acts of violation of human rights by Nigeria's security agencies. The mandate of the commission to advise on preventing violation of humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations is also a vital step for the country. While the judicial commission is long overdue it is an opportunity to finally bring justice to victims of human rights violations across parts of Nigeria affected by conflicts."
"We call on the government to ensure that victims of human rights violations are allowed to present their cases, without fear and with all the necessary protection from intimidation. We also call on the government to ensure that the commission is independent, impartial and free from any conflict of interest that may affect the integrity of its work. Making the terms reference and working guidelines of the commission public can bring transparency to its work."
"Investigating compliance of security agencies with rules of engagements in all conflicts, and violation of international and regional human rights laws during security operations is a step in the right direction that must be carried out with all sense of responsibility of making sure that no human rights violation goes unaccounted for."
"Amnesty International's priority is justice, human rights and the dignity of human life in Nigeria. We maintain that those suspected of committing human rights violations and crimes under international law on all sides of all conflicts must be brought to justice in fair trials before civilian courts without recourse to the death penalty.
