Dear Human Rights Defenders
As someone who has faced serious threats from a militant group, I know how hard it can be to work as a human rights defender in this part of the world.
Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Nigeria are regularly threatened. HRDs face numerous risks, varying in nature and intensity depending on the geographical area in which they operate, as well as the human rights issues they deal with. Corruption and good governance are sensitive issues and HRDs and journalists reporting on these issues are harassed.
Frontline Defenders reports that HRDs operating in the Niger Delta area advocating against unlawful detention and torture frequently suffer intimidation and attacks, some of which are fatal.
Women HRDs are also particularly vulnerable, especially in the northern regions (where Sharia law prevails), and in southern regions where traditional ‘customs’ (such as widowhood discrimination, female genital mutilation, domestic violence and child marriage) remain deep-rooted.
Journalists are publicly criticized, harassed and arrested. Nigeria is ranked 11th worst in the world in combating anti-press crime.
The situation is terrible, and that is why last month I met with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Michel Forst, at the Equitas organized International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) in Montreal, Canada, on ways of protecting human rights defenders in Nigeria.
I drew Mr. Forst’s attention to some of the grave issues HRDs face in the country and he’s keen on hearing from HRDs in Nigeria facing risks and threats as a result of their work.
So, if you’ll like to submit an allegation of a violation against a human rights defender, feel free to send an email to urgent-action@ohchr.org.
If you’ll like to contact the mandate holder for other purposes, you can send an email to defenders@ohchr.org.
It’s important that we do all we can to defend those we care about, but our safety at work is equally very important.
Thank you and best wishes,
Philip Obaji Jr.
Coordinator
1 GAME Campaign
www.play1game.org
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