Human and Community Rights Centre (HCRC) Blog

UN Forum: Prof. Olawuyi Calls on World Leaders to Prioritise Human Rights in Addressing Global Insecurity. International law scholar and Vice-Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Professor Damilola Sunday Olawuyi (SAN), has urged world leaders to place human rights at the centre of global efforts to confront insecurity, conflict, and other interlocking crises. Professor Olawuyi, who also serves as the Global Vice-Chair of the International Law Association, delivered this message during a high-level plenary session at the 14th Annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights held in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2011 by the UN Human Rights Council, the Forum is the world’s largest yearly gathering on business and human rights. It convenes governments, corporations, civil society organisations, affected communities, and international institutions to advance the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Thi...

  The Oyo State Government has intensified its child protection efforts with the inauguration of a Technical Working Committee (TWC) responsible for drafting the state’s first comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy. The committee was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Honourable Toyin Balogun, during the second Oyo State Child Safeguarding Summit held at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. The summit, organised by Haven Initiative in partnership with the ministry, brought together government representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, and child protection experts under the theme: “Strengthening Partnerships: Accelerating Safe and Protective Environments for Children in Oyo State.” Speaking through Mr. Diya Ogunjimi, Balogun described the event as “a collective call to action,” stressing that children continue to face increasing risks of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. She emphasised the need for coordinated and sustaine...

  Nigeria could be removed from the United States’ Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list if it takes concrete steps to address ongoing human rights violations, US Congressman Chris Smith said on Thursday during a congressional hearing on alleged Christian persecution in the country. The hearing followed former President Donald Trump’s recent claim that a “Christian genocide” is happening in Nigeria, alongside his announcement that the country would be designated a CPC. The Federal Government has denied any religious motive behind the insecurity, insisting that the crisis is driven by criminal activities rather than faith-based violence. Despite the government’s position, US officials remain concerned. Representative Smith reminded lawmakers that the CPC designation is not permanent and emphasised that Nigeria must demonstrate accountability. He noted that he had met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his delegation: “I raised the point that CPC is not for...

  Lagos CP Clarifies: No Police Officer May Search Personal Phones on the Road The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that no law enforcement officer has the authority to search individuals’ phones on the road. CP Jimoh made this statement on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police–Youth Dialogue Programme, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development at Alausa, Ikeja. He emphasised that mobile phones are personal property. “Some people have seen my statement on TikTok, where I declared that no policeman should search your phone on the road. I stand firmly by that order,” he said. The Commissioner affirmed the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with young people through continuous dialogue, community engagement, and empowerment initiatives. Speaking at the event, which was themed “The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforc...

  UNICEF Commends Kebbi State on Child Protection Bill, Advocates for Family Courts The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lauded the Kebbi State Government for the enactment of the Child Protection Bill, describing it as a significant milestone in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the state. Mr Michael Juma, Chief UNICEF Field Officer for Sokoto, made the commendation during the 2025 End-of-Year Review Meeting held in Birnin Kebbi. The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Kebbi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Juma highlighted that the passage of the bill would significantly protect vulnerable children, aid their reintegration into society, and ensure justice for minors who come into conflict with the law. “The Child Protection Bill represents a major step forward for Kebbi State. It will facilitate the release of children held in detention, reduce the harsh procedures minors face during trials, and create opportunities for them ...

  Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for allegedly defending terrorists operating in the North-West region. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA accused the government of selective enforcement of counter-terrorism laws, noting that the Kaduna-based cleric has repeatedly made public statements supporting armed groups. The rights group described it as morally indefensible that the Federal Government has continued to detain Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for nearly ten years over his call for the self-determination of the Igbo-speaking region, while turning a blind eye to Gumi’s alleged acts of incitement. “It is unjust that while Gumi consistently provides intellectual and media support to terrorists, advocating amnesty for killers and insurgents, the government has continued to suppress n...