10 Factors Affecting Human Rights in Nigeria

Introduction

Nigeria, a country located in West Africa, with a staggering population of over 200 million people is the most populous country in Africa. She has a vast array of rich natural resources and a strong potential for economic growth, However, Nigeria has a long history of human rights violations, and this continues to be a major concern.

Every government has to protect and promote the fundamental rights of its citizens. However, the Nigerian government has been criticized for failing to fully uphold these duties and obligations especially as it relates to issues such as corruption, police brutality, political instability, economic inequality, lack of access to education, etc.Factors Affecting Human Rights in Nigeria

Several Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs)and other civil society groups have played an important role in creating awareness about human rights abuses in Nigeria and advocating for change, however, not much has been done yet to this effect.

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What Are Human Rights?

Human rights are the inherent basic and inalienable rights that all individuals are entitled to as humans. These rights are protected by both national and international laws and include the right to life, liberty, and security, freedom from all forms of discrimination; the right to basic health care, and education, healthcare, an adequate standard of living; the right to participate in government and the right to freedom of speech.

The concept of human rights was developed after World War II as a response to the many atrocities committed during the war. The need to establish a set of rules to protect individuals from oppression by their governments necessitated the establishment of Human rights. In 1948, the United Nations adopted The Universal Declaration of Human Rights to serve as a foundation for the protection of human rights around the globe. The concept of human rights is based on the fundamental idea that all people are equal and should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their religion, sex, gender, or any other characteristic.

List Of The Fundamental Human Rights

According to history, Femi Falana is recorded as the father of human rights in Nigeria. The fundamental human rights are outlined below.Information Guide Nigeria

1. The right to life, liberty, and security of a person

1. The right to freedom from discrimination.JAMB Portal
2. The right to freedom of speech thought, and expression
3. The right to freedom of religion and belief
4. The right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
5. The right to participate in government and public affairs
6. The right to privacy
7. The right to a fair trial and due process
8. The right to protection from arbitrary arrest and detention
9. The right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
10. The right to work and education
11. The right to an adequate standard of living and access to healthcare
12. The right to marry and start a family
13. The right to own property
14. The right to seek asylum and protection from persecution
15. The right to nationality and protection against statelessness
16. The right to freedom of movement and choice of residence
17. The right to participate in cultural life
18. The right to social security and social services
19. The right to a healthy and sustainable environment.

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All rights are important, however, the most important right of every Nigeria and every human being is the right to life.Manchester United transfer news LIVE Harry Kane updates and Bruno Fernandes injury latest

What Is Human Rights Violation?

Human rights violations refer to those actions, policies, or programs that infringe upon the basic rights and freedoms that individuals are entitled to as contained in international human rights laws. These violations take several forms such as emotional and physical and emotional abuse, deprivation of basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, and discrimination based on race, religion, or gender. Some examples of human rights violations include torture or genocide.NYSC Portal

Causes of Human Rights Violations

Many factors can contribute to human rights violations. Some of the main causes include:

1. Lack of Political stability: When a country is not peaceful, it can be difficult to protect human rights. Internal wars, coups, and other forms of political upheaval can create power vacuums that might be filled by groups without respect for human rights.
2. Economic and social inequality: When a small group of individuals controls the majority of a country’s wealth and resources, it will lead to the marginalization of other smaller groups and masses, hence human rights are violated.
3. Religious extremism: Some extreme religious beliefs can justify human rights violations, such as discrimination against certain groups of people who refuse to be converted to their religion or group or the use of violence against such unwilling individuals

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Factors Affecting Human Rights In Nigeria

1. Corrupt Practices: Corruption in Nigeria affects the ability of citizens to get justice and enjoy their rights.
2. Political instability: Political instability such as violence and conflict, can lead to human rights abuses and also limit the ability of individuals or groups to fight for their rightGood Morning Love Message
3. Discrimination: Discrimination based on gender, religion, and ethnicity can lead to limited access to employment, education, and other opportunities.
4. Lack of access to proper education and healthcare: Restricted access to education and healthcare can negatively impact individuals’ ability to fully enjoy their rights and lead to marginalization and continuous impoverishment.
5. Police brutality and extrajudicial killings: Several reports of police brutality and other killings in Nigeria have raised concerns about the protection of individuals’ right to life and security. An example is the End SARs protest of 2020.Premier League ready to drop Sky Sports and BT Sport in shock new broadcasting plans
6. Inadequate legal protection: Judicial corruption and weak legal protections in the justice system can limit access to justice and this may lead to scenarios where human rights abuses go unpunished.
7. Unemployment and Poverty: High levels of poverty can limit individuals’ chances of accessing basic needs and opportunities. This can result in a violation of their rights.

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8. Environmental degradation: Environmental degradation can negatively impact the rights of citizens to health, a healthy environment, a good livelihood, and an adequate standard of living. For instance, the area in Bayelsa where Nigeria first found crude oil has been left uncared for and the environment remains polluted by oil spillage.

1. Forced evictions by greedy Landowners: Forced evictions and displacement also lead to violations of individuals’ rights to housing, and a good standard of living.
2. Human trafficking: Human and sex trafficking which has a strong foothold in Nigeria is another factor that violates the right of humans.Romantic Love Messages

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Conclusion

Upholding human rights in Nigeria is paramount If the nation is to experience peace, progress and prosperity. Some of the factors that affect human rights in Nigeria include political  instability, socio- economic inequality,  religious beliefs, discrimination against minority groups and women. Addressing these factors is important, if all citizens must be treated with dignity and have their human rights protected.

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