A/HRC/11/37
les droits et les devoirs de la personne humaine noted the numerous difficulties involved in
exercising human rights in Nigeria. It expressed concern about interreligious violence and
the security problems in the Niger Delta.
368. Interfaith International, in a joint statement with the Al-Hakim Foundation, indicated
that the acceptance of 30 recommendations had to be given effect through the adoption of
political and legislative measures. It expressed its hope that Nigeria would take the
necessary measures to rehabilitate the victims from the Ogoni minority. It encouraged
Nigeria to establish a national dialogue framework for the development of a code of
conduct and ethics for transnational corporations, and also urged it to foster intercultural
and interreligious dialogue to combat religious intolerance against women in the northern
provinces, as well as inter-community violence.
369. The International Human Rights Association of American Minorities congratulated
Nigeria on the establishment of its national human rights commission, and expressed the
hope that the authorities would do their utmost to ensure that the commission was
independent, free and impartial. It also called on Nigeria to end as soon as possible the use
of the death penalty. The Association also noted the worrying trend towards incarcerating
suspected criminals without charge or trial, and indicated that it was essential that access to
justice be granted to all in Nigeria. It indicated that there was significant evidence that
extrajudicial executions and torture were still being carried out by the security forces, and
called on Nigeria to implement procedures, and when necessary legislation, to put an end to
those practices.
370. The Arab Commission for Human Rights invited Nigeria to accept and implement
recommendation 1 relating to the ratification of international instruments, in particular
those related to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It also invited Nigeria to
implement recommendation 14 with regard to the adoption of legislation to address
extrajudicial executions and acts of torture committed by the police. The Commission
encouraged it to accept and implement recommendation 24 on the fight against corruption.
Nigeria should pay special attention to the follow-up mechanism and submit reports on
progress made in the implementation of recommendations and voluntary commitments,
with the participation of civil society, to the Council at its fourteenth regular session.
371. The Islamic Human Rights Commission made reference to recommendations 30 and
31, and indicated that the policies of Nigeria, as well as many trials, were not compatible
with the standards of fairness and due process, including those defined by Sharia law and
the Nigerian Constitution itself. The Commission expressed concern at the current general
practice adopted by Nigeria in Sokoto, noting that it was not proportionate to their stated
aim and position that Nigeria should launch a transparent, comprehensive and impartial
inquiry and uphold the principle of fair trial, which should not contravene Nigeria’s
international obligations to guarantee individuals the right to equality before the law.
4.
Concluding remarks of the State under review
372. The delegation highlighted the fact that the National Assembly was supportive and
committed to the reform initiatives undertaken by the Government to improve the
protection and promotion of human rights, and would adopt the legislation backing them.
373. The delegation stated that its commitments to the promotion and protection of
human rights were irreversible. In Nigeria, individuals, institutions and public and private
entities, as well as the State itself, were subject to publicly promulgated laws. These laws
were equally enforced, independently adjudicated and consistent with international human
rights standards. Nigeria commended all delegations for their constructive engagement in
the universal periodic review process and was looking forward for its next review.
GE.09-16766
115
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