Civil society groups in Nigeria have condemned the recurring threats against global human rights organization, Amnesty International (AI).
In a press release jointly signed by 24 of them, the groups bemoaned the issuance of ultimatum to AI.
The AI in a recent report detailed how several women were raped and blackmailed by soldiers who offered food in return for sex after starving them.
Both the Nigerian government and the military have since rejected the report, saying no such things happen in IDP camps.
The groups wants the government and its agencies to respect the rights of AI in how they relate with the organization.
“We, the undersigned civil society groups that work at the intersection of the protection and promotion of human rights and good governance in Nigeria, condemn in totality the recurrent breach of peace, brazen lack of patriotism, and absolute disregard for fundamental democratic values and principles of good governance by a malicious group that has persisted in threatening and issuing unjustified ultimatums to Amnesty International Nigeria to vacate the country.
“We are aware that Amnesty International, as a duly registered organisation, possesses legal operational rights and mandate to protect and defend rights of the citizens irrespective of their socio-economic, ethno-religious and political backgrounds as pledged by Government of Nigeria under relevant national, regional, and global laws including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Protocols on Human Rights and Rules of Law, and particularly, Section 33 to 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We in strong terms denounce the unjustifiable recurring threats against the staff and facilities of Amnesty International Nigeria , and reiterate that no responsible individual, group or government will disparage the protection of the rights of vulnerable individuals or groups.”
The groups said it is worrying that despite a group which is supposed to support the AI is going against it.
“We find it worrisome that rather than extending sincere support and solidarity to Amnesty International Nigeria in complementing the activities of credible civil society groups to enhance democratic values in the country, an unidentifiable mischievous group continues to engage in empty threats—a ridiculous attempt to frustrate efforts to protect human rights, and suppress civil society activities ostensibly to hamper the recurring demand for good governance. We are disturbed but not surprised at such clearly sponsored malicious moves by some individuals, hands gloved by an undemocratic group, to divert the attention of Amnesty International Nigeria, and other credible civil society groups from their progressive struggles to dig deep and uprooting the persistent human rights abuses and violations in the country.
“Ironically, the on-going attack on Amnesty International Nigeria is a glaring endorsement of its stellar strides in the protection of human rights. A pointer that their impactful work must be supported and sustained by all well-meaning Nigerians to enhance the rule of law, social equity, and justice.”
The groups urged the government to ensure adequate protection for the operatives and facilities of the Amnesty International.
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