The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria

Contributor: Chibueze .K. James

Introduction

Human rights inherent in all human beings all over the world, are generally considered inalienable and thus, ought not to be violated or denied for as long as the individual qualifies to be human.^[1] Human rights seek to guarantee the essence and sanctity of human life^[2] and provide an environment where individuals can safely live while expressing themselves, within the bounds of law.

The role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria can never be overemphasized.^[3] NGOs serve as key players in addressing human rights violations by advocating for legislative reforms, providing legal assistance to victims and raising public awareness on human rights issues.

This topic will discuss how NGOs promote and protect human rights in Nigeria. It discusses mechanisms through which NGOs advocate for human rights through awareness campaigns, legal support, and policy advocacy. Finally, it will examine the challenges NGOs face in Nigeria, such as limited funding, and security concerns.

What are Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)?

According to the UN Department of Global Communications, an NGO is a not-for-profit, voluntary citizen’s group that is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good.^[4] The term was first introduced in Article 71 of the United Nations Charter in 1945.^[5]

They are non-political, non-profit-oriented and autonomous organizations, which function and sometimes flourish in the large and close bounded zones between organized sovereigns and family units.^[6] They usually advocate a public policy.^[7][8]

Examples of NGOs in Nigeria

1. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC): This is a non-profit civil rights organization established in 2000 to promote respect for human rights, gender equality, equity, the rule of law, accountability, and social justice in Nigeria.^[9] It focuses on combating human rights abuse against women, gender-based violence, child abuse, gender equality and justice for women and girls in Nigeria.^[10]
2. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD): The CDD was established in the United Kingdom in 1997 and subsequently registered in Lagos, Nigeria in 1999 as an independent, not-for-profit, research, training, advocacy and capacity-building organization.^[11] The Centre was established to mobilize global resources for democratic development and provide an independent space to reflect critically on the challenges posed to the democratization and development process in West Africa and also to provide alternatives and best practices to the sustenance of democracy and development in the region.

However, it is part of the programme of the CDD to promote gender and economic rights of women as a cross-cutting theme.^[12]

1. Human Rights Agenda Network, Nigeria (HRAN): This is a network of civil society organizations and activists working on human rights issues in Nigeria.^[13] It arose from an informal collaboration of human rights NGOs to prepare an alternative report to Nigeria’s Universal Periodic Review in March 2009.^[14] The Network works through the following thematic areas:
2. Civil and political rights;
3. Access to Justice and Administration of Justice;
4. Women’s Human Rights;
5. Social and Economic Rights;
6. Rights of persons with Disability and of other Vulnerable Groups.^[15]

The Role of NGOs in Safeguarding Human Rights

1. Human Rights Protection and Promotion: NGOs play a crucial role in the protection and promotion of human rights globally.^[16] They advocate for the enforcement of fundamental rights and take certain measures to see that the human rights of citizens are not violated.
2. Offering direct assistance to those whose rights have been violated Human rights: NGOs play an important role in providing assistance to individuals whose rights have been violated.^[17] By offering legal aid, these organizations empower victims to seek redress and hold perpetrators accountable. They often bridge the gap between vulnerable citizens and the judicial system.
3. Promoting knowledge of, and respect for human rights among citizens: Through education and awareness campaigns, they disseminate information on fundamental rights and freedoms, fostering a culture of respect and tolerance. This is usually achieved by organizing workshops, seminars and publications. Where this is done, NGOs empower individuals to understand their rights and recognize violations.
4. Monitoring and Reporting: NGOs document and expose human rights abuses, thereby raising awareness at national and international levels on how victims’ rights are violated.^[18]
5. Collaboration with International Bodies: They work with organizations like the United Nations to address global human rights issues.

Key Challenges Facing Human Rights NGOs in Nigeria

1. Religious and Cultural Beliefs: There are some religions and cultures which believe in submission even when the rights of its people are in danger.^[19] In some cases, interpretations of religious doctrines conflict with internationally recognized human rights standards, such as gender equality. Thus, it becomes difficult for human rights NGOs to achieve its intended goals in eradicating human rights abuses in Nigeria.
2. Torture of Human Rights Defenders: Threats, harassment and physical abuse of human rights defenders like NGOs may be employed by perpetrators to silence individuals working in these organizations,^[20] thus, discouraging others from engaging in similar acts of promoting human rights in Nigeria.
3. Insecurity: This is a big hindrance to the prevention of human rights abuse in Nigeria.^[21] With the state of insecurity in the country, some NGOs may not want to carry on with their goal of preventing human rights abuse, thus, reducing the amount of positive results that would have been gotten where collective efforts are made in eradicating human rights abuse.
4. Delay in the Justice System: Delay in proceedings can frustrate the role of NGOs in the promotion and protection of human rights. Excess delay in litigation can lead to NGOs giving up on their roles.

Conclusion

NGOs play a vital role in promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria through advocacy, education, legal aid, and support for victims of abuse. They have been indispensable in the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria, addressing critical gaps in governance and justice.

However, challenges such as limited resources, security and other hindrances keep obstructing the functions performed by NGOs. The following are hereby recommended:

1. There should be increased public awareness of human rights through grassroots campaigns.
2. It is vital to advocate for laws safeguarding human rights defenders like NGOs formed for that purpose.
3. The Judiciary should ensure that the hearing of fundamental rights matters are accelerated (in practice and not just in theory) to enable interested parties like NGOs to effectively prosecute fundamental right matters.
4. NGOs should strengthen partnerships with international human rights organizations.

KEYWORDS

Human rights, Non-Government Organizations (NGO), Human rights Violations, Legislative Reforms,

SNIPPET

According to the UN Department of Global Communications, an NGO is a not-for-profit, voluntary citizen’s group that is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good.

1. Council of Europe, ‘What are Human Rights?’ <https://www.coe.int/en/web/compass/what-are-human-rights-> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
2. United Nations, ‘What are Human Rights?’ <https://www.ohchr.org/en/what-are-human-rights> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
3. Counsel of Europe, ‘Human Rights Activism and NGOs’, <https://www.coe.int/en/web/compass/human-rights-activism-and-the-role-of-ngos#:~:text=NGOs%20may%20attempt%20to%20engage,on%20how%20to%20present%20claims.> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
4. Wikipedia, ‘Non-Governmental Organization’, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-governmental_organization#:~:text=The%20term%20as%20it%20is,United%20Nations’%20Charter%20in%201945.> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
5. Ibid. ↑
6. Murtala, OA, ‘The Role of Non-Governmental Organization in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria’, <https://kubanni.abu.edu.ng/bitstreams/17117b13-2a18-49b5-9593-a6c8d25bee36/download> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
7. Britannica, ‘Nongovernmental Organization:, <https://www.britannica.com/topic/nongovernmental-organization> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
8. Council of Europe ‘Human Rights Activism and the Role of NGOs’, <https://www.coe.int/en/web/compass/human-rights-activism-and-the-role-of-ngos> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
9. WARDC, ‘Who we Are’, <https://wardcnigeria.org/> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
10. Wikipedia, ‘Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre’, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_Advocates_Research_and_Documentation_Centre> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
11. CDD, ‘About the Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD-West Africa), <https://www.cddwestafrica.org/about-us/> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
12. Ibid. ↑
13. Human Rights Agenda Network, ‘About Us’, <https://hrannigeria.org/about-hran> accessed 18^th November, 2024. ↑
14. Ibid. ↑
15. Ibid. ↑
16. Effevottu, S, ‘The Contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to Human Rights Protection in Nigeria’, <https://stephanieeffevottu.com/2023/01/13/the-contributions-of-non-governmental-organisations-ngos-to-human-rights-protection-and-promotion-in-nigeria/> accessed 19^th November, 2024. ↑
17. Council of Europe, ‘Human Rights Activities and the Role of NGOs’, <https://www.coe.int/en/web/compass/human-rights-activism-and-the-role-of-ngos> accessed 19^th November, 2024. ↑
18. Marcinkute, L, ‘The Role of Human Rights NGO’s: Human Rights Defenders or State Sovereignty Destroyers?’ <https://sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/v10076-011-0012-5> accessed 19^th November, 2024. ↑
19. Bednar, M, ‘Challenges of Human Rights Organization’, <https://www.universalhumanrightsindex.org/challenges-of-human-rights-organization/> accessed 19^th November, 2024. ↑
20. OHCHR, ‘Challenges Faced by Human Rights Defenders’ <https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-human-rights-defenders/challenges-faced-human-rights-defenders> accessed 19^th November, 2024. ↑
21. Mirzoev, R and Ezenwa, CC, ‘How Insecurity of Life Undermines Human Rights in Nigeria’ <https://ehs.se/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/how-insecurity-of-life-undermines-human-rights-in-nigeria-report-5mr445-clinic2.pdf> accessed 19^th November, 2024. ↑