August 1: Global Rights, others warn against clampdown on protesters

The Nigerian government has been reminded by Global Rights and other leading civil society organisations in Nigeria and throughout Africa that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right of democratic governance, as provided by the constitution.

The groups made this announcement prior to the national protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.

They signed a statement collectively that included this.

In Nigeria, a national protest has been scheduled for August 1st, and the government is debating whether it is proper for residents to voice their disapproval of the policies and acts of the current government.

Civil society organisations stated that they felt obliged to reiterate that citizens’ fundamental right to peaceful protest was violated.

“This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change,” according to Global Rights, an alliance of over 37 civil society organisations, including Yiaga Africa, Enough is Enough, and more.

The civil society organisations maintained that international human rights instruments, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others, recognise peaceful protests as legitimate forms of expression.

“It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process,” it added.

“Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.

“History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance.

“While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others.

“Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order.

“Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety.

“Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.

“Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately,” it said.

The CSO issued a warning, claiming that any attempt to detain protest organisers demonstrates a lack of comprehension of the state’s enemies.

“We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these
protests.

“We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” it added.

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