REPORT ON STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON PREPARATION OF NIGERIA’S NATUONAL REPORT ON THE 4TH CYCLE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW (UPR) HELD ON 29TH SEMPTEMBER,2023, AT WATBRIDGE HOTELS AND SUITES, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE.

The event, the fourth cycle which many other civil society organizations from the six states of the south-south was the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR). UPR is a process that provides a comprehensive review of the human rights situation in all 193 United Nations (UN) Member States. It is designed to ensure that States are held accountable for the human rights obligations they have voluntarily accepted under various international human rights instruments.

The UPR sessions were designed to deliberate on the UPR draft report, questions, discussions, and contributions from all stakeholders with the aim of examining the challenges and successes in the area of Human Rights abuses and Violations, Vulnerable persons (Children, Girls and the Disabled) ,Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Democracy, Rule of Law and Access to Justice / Human Rights Mechanism, Cooperation with UN Bodies/Fulfilling International obligations, Prevention of torture, death penalty, Security ,Counter – Terrorism, Insurgency , Environment ,Climate Change, Corruption and Drug. The sessions were attended by stakeholders from various sectors including government agencies, civil society organizations, human rights activists, academia, and the media.

One of the highlights of the UPR sessions was the success stories presented by State actors and NGOs with respect to addressing human rights abuses and violations. The progress made in government policies such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, the Child Rights Act, the Freedom of Information Act and the effectiveness and weakness of the criminal justice system were noted. It was observed that various state actors and NGOs had made significant contributions in curbing human rights abuses and violations in the state.
The UPR sessions identified several challenges in the area of human rights abuses and violations. The issue of child rights abuses, trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, Impunity by state actors was highlighted as a major concern in Nigeria. It was noted that although the government had put in place several policies to address human rights abuses, many cases still go unreported and perpetrators go unpunished. Furthermore, there was a concern about the increasing incidence of gender-based violence, especially against women and girls.
The UPR sessions provided an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in discussions and contribute towards addressing the various challenges identified in Nigeria. Suggestions were made on the need for increased sensitization on human rights, especially among vulnerable groups like women, children, and persons with disabilities. The need for the government to ensure the full implementation of policies aimed at addressing human rights abuses and violations was also emphasized. Furthermore, stakeholders called for increased collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations in addressing the various challenges.
Rainbow Watch and Development Centres’ Recommendations
1) Democracy, Rule of Law and Access to Justice/Human Rights:
a) The Nigerian government should seek to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the protection of human rights, particularly as it pertains to access to justice. This includes ensuring that all Nigerians have equal access to justice without regard to ethnic or religious affiliations.
b) The Nigerian government should also seek to strengthen the institutional framework for democracy by taking steps to ensure free and fair elections, protecting the rights of journalists, and creating mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency at all levels of government.
2) Environment and Climate Change:
a) The Nigerian government should prioritize the protection of the environment and work to develop policies that will reduce the impact of climate change. This could include measures to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices.
b) The Nigerian government should also seek to increase public awareness and education about environmental issues to encourage more sustainable lifestyles and practices.
3) Prevention of Torture and Death Penalty:
a) The Nigerian government should take steps to prevent torture by strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that those who commit acts of torture are held accountable.
b) The Nigerian government should also seek to abolish the death penalty and move towards alternative forms of sentencing, particularly for non-violent offenses.
4) Vulnerable Persons (Children, Women and Disabled):
a) The Nigerian government should prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children, women and people with disabilities. This should include measures to increase access to education, healthcare, and support services, as well as efforts to address discrimination and violence against these groups.
b) The Nigerian government should also work to strengthen legal and social protections for vulnerable populations, including through the adoption and implementation of laws that protect the rights of children, women, and people with disabilities.
5) Economic, Social, Cultural Rights:
a) The Nigerian government should prioritize the protection of economic, social, and cultural rights, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged populations.
b) The Nigerian government should also seek to promote economic opportunities and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, with a focus on job creation and poverty reduction. This could include measures to increase access to credit and financial services, as well as efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
The UPR sessions provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions and contributions towards addressing human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria. While successes were noted, several challenges were identified, which require urgent attention. Rainbow Watch and Development Centre is committed to working with other stakeholders towards ensuring the full realization of human rights in Nigeria.
A report  by Rainbow Watch and YEAC-Nigeria