A/HRC/11/26*
than 24 hours, which is against the law. A person, who is charged for crimes and required
representation may not afford it. Therefore, the Legal Assistance Department was
established and lawyers are paid from government resources. Whoever is detained because
of no representation automatically gets assigned a lawyer of his choice, a process, which
has reduced the number of detainees in prison.
54.
The delegation underlined that victims of trafficking are not considered as criminal
but rather as victims. There is need to collaborate on this issue, as it is a global crime and
Nigeria got support from the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates in that regard.
55.
Qatar noted many policies adopted in recent years in order to promote human rights
and achieve development goals. It noted that the national report made reference to the
harmful traditional practices, and asked whether Nigeria could inform of the efforts made in
dealing with and eradicating those practices. Qatar recommended that Nigeria undertake
further efforts in order to raise awareness among religious leaders and traditional dignitaries
and involve them in the dissemination of a culture of human rights and in combating
harmful traditional practices.
56.
Chad saluted Nigeria’s engagement and leadership in conflict resolution and peace
consolidation in Africa. Chad also welcomed the inclusive methodology utilized in
preparation for the UPR and in this regard it recommended (a) the implementation of the
content of the National Consultative Forum to help Nigeria improve its performance in the
area of human rights. Chad asked Nigeria to call on (b) the international community to
increase its support to allow the implementation of noble objectives Nigeria has set up
regarding human rights.
57.
Bahrain noted that Nigeria has adopted many initiatives and policies especially for
children in relation to health care and trafficking in human beings. Bahrain fully
appreciated efforts made with international assistance to combat diseases through
vaccination campaigns as well as the appointment of many health workers to implement
these initiatives. Bahrain commended Nigeria for its programme towards victims of
trafficking, measures to provide shelter and counselling also the establishment of a national
committee to combat human trafficking and provide assistance to the victims. Bahrain
recommended Nigeria to continue efforts in the field of combating human trafficking.
58.
Germany asked about concrete measures taken to improve the situation of journalists
and human rights defenders. Germany recommended that Nigeria (a) adopt comprehensive
legislation with regard to extrajudicial executions and torture by police, including measures
assuring its application. It also recommended (b) the creation of a board of independent
inspectors examining conditions in detention facilities and the behaviour of police officers.
It also recommended that Nigeria (c) increase its efforts to raise awareness of and prevent
the spread of HIV/AIDS and provide adequate treatment and alternative care opportunities
for children. Germany recommended that Nigeria (d) address the cultural and economic
situation of ethnic minorities and (e) take steps to ensure an adequate political participation
of ethnic minority groups as well as measures to effectively prevent the loss of land,
property and resources of ethnic minority groups through, i.e. confiscation.
59.
Sweden noted CEDAW expressed concern at how the Nigerian tripartite legal
system handled women’s rights and noted the information provided about the Reform of
Nigerian Family Law and hoped it would ensure equal treatment of women before the law
and bring legislation in line with international standards. Sweden noted the death penalty
was rarely applied in Nigeria but, recommended that Nigeria take the steps necessary to
formalize the moratorium, with a view to subsequently abolish the death penalty, and
adhere to the resolutions of the General Assembly in this regard.
60.
Turkey welcomed the convening of the National Consultative Forum and the
consideration of making it an annual event. Turkey encouraged Nigerian authorities to (a)
GE.09-16312
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