In a strategic move aimed at fostering human rights discussions, Amnesty International embarked on an advocacy visit to the National Assembly, with its focus on the impending 45th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) working group, scheduled for January-February 2024. The visit, held under the auspices of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, provided a platform for robust conversations surrounding pertinent human rights concerns, particularly in the conflicted regions of southeast and northeast Nigeria.
Hosted by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the visit served as a pivotal opportunity for Amnesty International to engage with lawmakers on critical human rights issues prevailing in the aforementioned regions, where conflicts have raised concerns about potential rights violations.
Amnesty International Nigeria’s UPR submission, a cornerstone of the visit, meticulously evaluates the extent to which Nigeria has implemented the recommendations presented during its previous UPR in 2018.
The comprehensive assessment encompasses areas such as enforced disappearances, human rights violations attributed to security forces, instances of torture and other forms of ill-treatment, gender-based violence, and the far-reaching impacts of the oil industry on human rights.
The dialogue between Amnesty International representatives and National Assembly members underscored the organization’s commitment to fostering a collaborative approach in addressing these multifaceted human rights challenges. As Nigeria prepares to participate in the 45th UPR session, the insights gained from this advocacy visit are poised to contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse on safeguarding and advancing human rights within the country.
