The United Nations has promised to support the Federal Government and business entities in Nigeria in the fight against Human Rights violations, which are rampant in the country. Senior Human Rights Advisor to the UN in Nigeria, Ms. Adwoa Kufor, made this promise during the National Dialogue on Tackling Human Rights Issues in Abuja. She emphasized the need for governments and business operators to be more responsible and deliberate in tackling human rights issues to achieve set goals.
Also, these issues are a significant problem in Nigeria, with happenings such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, and extrajudicial killings being common. The government has been criticized for its poor handling of natural rights issues, with many cases of abuse and violations going unaddressed. The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, which was launched in 2019, aims to address these violations issues, but more needs to be done to ensure its effective implementation.
Committee chairman says businesses must hold fundamental rights.
Business entities as well have a significant role to play in promoting Legal Rights in Nigeria, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide a framework for responsible business conduct. However, many businesses in Nigeria continue to violate fundamental rights with impunity, and the government has been accused of not doing enough to hold them accountable. Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, Peter Makinde, emphasized the need for business entities to uphold human rights, citing the National Action Plan and the three pillars of the business and natural rights law.
He noted that legal rights are multifaceted and integral to the development of an equitable society, and that businesses can contribute to the protection of human rights and reap the benefits of ethical conduct. Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, Ahmed Munir, decried these violations in businesses, particularly in the payment of Minimum Wage and poor implementation of Environmental Protection policies. He warned that if not tackled early, human rights violations can promote sharp practices and corruption.
Ways the govt and businesses can tackle these issues.
Furthermore, the UN’s support is crucial in tackling this issue in Nigeria, and the government and business entities must work together to ensure that natural rights are respected and protected. The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights must be effectively implemented, and businesses must be held accountable for their actions. Only then can Nigeria hope to achieve equitable development and respect for human rights. In addition, the government must take concrete steps to address the root causes of human rights violations, including poverty, inequality, and discrimination. This can be achieved through policies and programs that promote economic empowerment, education, and social justice.
Again, the government must ensure that legal rights defenders and activists are protected from harassment, intimidation, and violence. These individuals play a crucial role in promoting human rights and holding governments and businesses accountable for their actions. The international community also has a role to play in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle these kinds of violations. This can be achieved through diplomatic pressure, technical assistance, and financial support.
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Finally, this issue in Nigeria is widespread and varied, and include forced labor and human trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse, extrajudicial killings and torture, discrimination and violence against minorities, poor working conditions and low wages, lack of access to Education and healthcare, forced evictions and displacement, and Violence Against Women and children. These violations are often perpetuated by government officials, Security forces, and business entities, and are often ignored or covered up by the government. In all, human rights violations are a significant problem in Nigeria, and the government, business entities, and the international community must work together to address this issue.