Call for Human Rights Respect
Amnesty International urges Nigerian authorities to respect peaceful protest rights as citizens commence nationwide demonstrations over food shortages and rising costs. The protests, set to take place from August 1-10, 2024, highlight the severe economic crisis facing the country.
Amnesty International’s Statement
Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Country Director, emphasised the need for security agencies to uphold the constitutional right to peaceful protest. In a statement on Thursday, Sanusi said, “Nigerian authorities must ensure security agencies respect the right to peaceful protest. This is guaranteed by the constitution and human rights treaties.”
Warning Against Rights Violations
Sanusi warned the government against using protests as an excuse to crack down on human rights. This includes freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He highlighted Amnesty International’s concerns over recent arrests related to social media support for the protests.
Economic Crisis and Government Responsibility
Amid Nigeria’s economic crisis, including 36% food inflation, Sanusi urged authorities to address the protests’ root causes, not suppress dissent. He highlighted the importance of the government’s commitment to upholding both national and international human rights obligations.
Nationwide Protests Organisation
The protests, driven largely by social media mobilisation, are a response to the government’s handling of the economic crisis. Despite some labelling the protests as potential sources of violence, Sanusi stressed the importance of respecting the right to peaceful protest.
Authorities’ Intolerance of Dissent
The arrest of three individuals for supporting protests on social media shows the authorities’ intolerance of peaceful dissent. Amnesty International continues to monitor the situation closely. They advocate for protesters’ rights and urge the government to address citizens’ grievances constructively.
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