Security and Human Rights

In recent years, both the nature and extent of human rights violations have significantly worsened in Nigeria, concurrent with rising insecurity and violence. Most of these violations play out in the theatre of the on-going insurgency and the counter-terrorism operations of security forces, with limited opportunities for redress for victims. In this militarized situation, there is little state accountability and vulnerable populations have become victims of indiscriminate attacks by both the military and insurgents, who act without adherence to the norms of the standard care for civilians.

Global Rights therefore works with vulnerable groups and communities to demand accountability of security forces and ensure the rights of citizens are promoted and protected. We do this by promoting adherence to the rule of law even in asymmetrical warfare, amplifying the voices of indigent communities caught between government security forces and insurgents, and are particularly at risk of having their basic human rights violated, given the often long histories of weak governance, inadequate resources and lack of basic understanding of their rights; and how to hold government accountable for their protection. (Influenced by Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, of the SDGs).