The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has released a report detailing the alarming scale of human rights violations across the country. This was made known at the presentation of the December 2024 Human Rights Dashboard in Abuja Tuesday.
According to the report which was presented by the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Executive Secretary Mr, Hillary Ogbonna, as at December 2024, the Commission has received over two million complaints, underscoring the persistent challenges to human rights protection in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, there was a noticeable 10% decrease in the number of complaints from November to December, 2024.
The report paints a concerning picture of the diverse range of human rights abuses plaguing the nation. The violations include infringements on freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Violation of the right to freedom from discrimination was recorded as the highest, followed by violation of the rights to human dignity.
Highlight of the report also include: Child abandonment; attacks on law enforcement personnel; discrimination; sexual and gender-based violence; suppression of civic space; and the escalating violence stemming from banditry.
The report further highlights a range of violations, including mass casualties during food distribution events, a disturbing trend of killings and abductions in the North West and North Central regions and pervasive sexual violence against children.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the NHRC flagged the emergence of a new terrorist group, Lakawura, operating in the North West, posing further threats to already vulnerable communities.
“The emergence of new threats, such as the Lakawura terrorist group, highlights the evolving landscape of human rights challenges in the country. We must remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to protect the rights of all Nigerians.” Mr. Ogbonna said.
While the NHRC recorded 355,726 complaints in December, a 10% decrease from November, the sheer volume of complaints received throughout the year paints a worrying picture.
In a significant shift, the December data reveals that the South-South region reported a higher number of human rights violations than the traditionally more volatile Northern states.
This change signals a potential shift in the patterns of human rights abuses, requiring closer scrutiny and targeted interventions.
Earlier in his opening remark the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN stated that the data collected by the NHRC is crucial for understanding the scope of human rights violations and informing government and security responses.
“This surge in complaints is not just a number; it represents real people, real lives, and real violations of fundamental human right,”.
“It underscores the urgent need for a collective and concerted effort to address these systemic injustices and strengthen accountability mechanisms.” He added.
According to Esther Sawa, Human Rights Officer, Office of the United Nation Commissioner for Human Rights the NHRC's data provides vital information for policymakers, security agencies, and civil society organizations working to address the root causes of human rights violations and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
