Socio-Economic Rights and
Accountability Project,SERAP, reportedly has threatened to sue the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, unless necessary measures are taken
immediately to end the mob attack on Amnesty International or any
other civil society group in the country.
The group made this threat in a
statement issued,Tuesday, and signed by its Deputy Director,
Timothy Adewale. This follows the ultimatum given by protesters who
stormed the Abuja office of Amnesty International, demanding the
international organisation to quit Nigeria within 24 hours.
According to SERAP, President Muhammadu
Buhari and Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo need to speak out
strongly against intimidation and harassment of Amnesty International
Office in Nigeria and its staff or leave the group with no option but
to take appropriate legal actions nationally and internationally
including approaching the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights defenders for a remedy.
The group called on the Presidency to
“urgently instruct appropriate authorities to promptly and
thoroughly investigate apparently sponsored and coordinated attacks
against Amnesty International Office in Nigeria, and ensure the
safety and security of its staff.”
The statement added that; “any
failure to hold to account those who may be responsible will
invariably increase the vulnerability of civil society in the
country, and strengthen the perception that attacks against NGOs and
human rights workers can happen with impunity.”
The statement reads in part: “If the
Buhari government does not take all necessary measures to immediately
end the mob attack on Amnesty International or any other civil
society group for that matter, SERAP will be compelled to take
appropriate legal action nationally and internationally including
approaching the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human
rights defenders for a remedy.”
“SERAP will continue to work to
challenge any attempt to restrict, silence or eliminate the voices of
credible civil society in the country. We urge the presidency to
speak out strongly against intimidation and harassment of Amnesty
International Office in Nigeria and its staff. Investigating the
attacks against AI, naming and shaming the sponsors and bringing them
to justice will send a powerful message of protection and support to
civil society groups who stand up to speak truth to power.”
“Any attack on Amnesty International
Office in Nigeria or harassment and intimidation of its staff members
is an assault on the entire human rights community in the country.
Sponsoring protests against NGOs that have shown astonishing courage
in their human rights work hurt those most in need, undermine access
of Nigerian victims of human rights violations and abuses to justice,
and contribute to a culture of impunity of perpetrators.”
“This government has an obligation to
support and protect civil society groups and human rights defenders
against violence and sponsored attacks. Nigeria is a democratic
society and the government can’t just sit back and watch reprisals,
threats and increasing hostility to Amnesty International in
particular and the NGO community in general.”
“Under the Constitution of Nigeria
1999 (as amended) and international human rights law, everyone whose
rights are violated is entitled to a right to an effective remedy.
Exposing human rights violations and seeking redress for them is
largely dependent on the degree of security enjoyed by civil society
groups and human rights defenders. Protecting NGOs against sponsored
attacks and ending impunity for such attacks is therefore a critical
element in the promotion and protection of human rights in this
country.”
“While some may not like to hear some
of the things Amnesty International has said, this in no way
justifies this kind of mob attack on its office and staff members.
The authorities should show commitment to protecting the right to
freedom of expression and guarantee conditions for civil society to
flourish.”
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