The Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) is gravely concerned about the state of freedom of expression in Nigeria. As an organization that is committed to promoting and protecting human rights globally, we believe that freedom of expression is a fundamental right that should be protected and promoted in all countries, including Nigeria.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right encompasses a wide range of activities, including the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the individual’s choice.
In Nigeria, however, freedom of expression is under attack. The government has been using various tactics to silence dissenting voices and stifle critical reporting. These tactics include the use of repressive laws, intimidation, harassment, and violence against journalists, bloggers, and activists.
One of the most repressive laws used to curtail freedom of expression in Nigeria is the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015. This law criminalizes a wide range of online activities and provides for lengthy prison sentences and fines for those found guilty of violating its provisions. The law has been used to target journalists and bloggers who have criticized the government or reported on corruption and human rights abuses.
In addition to the Cybercrime Act, the Nigerian government has also used the Terrorism Prevention Act to suppress freedom of expression. This law criminalizes the “glorification” of terrorism and has been used to target journalists and bloggers who have reported on the activities of Boko Haram, the militant group that has been responsible for the deaths of thousands of Nigerians.
Journalists and bloggers who report on corruption and human rights abuses are also at risk of violence and harassment. In recent years, several journalists and bloggers have been killed or attacked in Nigeria. In 2020, at least four journalists were killed in Nigeria, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. These attacks are often carried out with impunity, and the Nigerian government has done little to bring those responsible to justice.
The situation in Nigeria has attracted the attention of the international community, including the United States, the United Nations, and other international bodies. The WCHR believes that these entities have a responsibility to speak out against the human rights abuses taking place in Nigeria and to take action to protect the rights of Nigerians.
The United States has a particular responsibility in this regard, given its status as a global leader in the promotion of human rights and democracy. The U.S. government has already taken some steps to address the situation in Nigeria. In December 2020, for example, the U.S. State Department imposed visa restrictions on Nigerian officials who were deemed to have undermined the democratic process in the country.
However, the WCHR believes that more needs to be done. The U.S. government should use its diplomatic and economic leverage to pressure the Nigerian government to respect freedom of expression and to take action to protect journalists, bloggers, and activists. This could include imposing targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials who are responsible for human rights abuses or who have acted to undermine freedom of expression.
The United Nations and other international bodies also have a role to play in addressing the situation in Nigeria. These entities should speak out against human rights abuses in the country and should use their influence to press the Nigerian government to respect freedom of expression and protect the rights of journalists, bloggers, and activists. The UN should also consider appointing a Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression in Nigeria to monitor the situation and report on any abuses.
In conclusion, the WCHR is deeply concerned about the state of freedom of expression in Nigeria. The government has used repressive laws, violence, and intimidation tactics to silence dissenting voices, particularly those of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. This has created a climate of fear that undermines democratic values and violates the human rights of Nigerian citizens.
As a human rights organization committed to promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of all people, the WCHR calls on the Nigerian government to uphold the principles of freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to peaceful protest. We urge the government to repeal repressive laws and policies that restrict these rights and to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
Furthermore, we call on the international community, particularly the United States, the United Nations, and other relevant bodies, to use their influence and leverage to pressure the Nigerian government to respect human rights and uphold democratic values. This includes imposing targeted sanctions on government officials and entities responsible for human rights violations, as well as providing support to civil society organizations that are working to promote human rights and democracy in Nigeria.
The WCHR also encourages the media to continue their important work of holding those in power accountable, even in the face of harassment, intimidation, and violence. We commend the courage and resilience of Nigerian journalists and media organizations who have continued to speak truth to power in the face of great risks.
In conclusion, the WCHR reiterates its commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote and protect the fundamental rights of all people in Nigeria and around the world. We call on the Nigerian government to uphold the principles of freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to peaceful protest, and on the international community to support these efforts. Together, we can create a world where everyone’s human rights are respected and protected.