Human and Community Rights Centre (HCRC) Blog

Foundation Trains 130 Students in Human Rights and Civic Leadership The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Nigeria has trained 130 students across four Nigerian universities as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in governance and national development. The initiative, known as the “Include Naija” project, is designed to promote fundamental human rights among young Nigerians and equip them with the skills required for active participation in democratic processes. The project runs from 2025 to 2027. The programme is being implemented at the University of Abuja (Department of Political Science), the Centre for Peace and Development, Veritas University, Bwari; the Centre for Gender Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi; and the Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano. The 2025 democracy capacity-building workshop, held at the University of Abuja, featured Professor Yusuf Zoaka of the University of Abuja; Dr Hauwau Mainoma of Nasarawa State University; Dr Chibugo Lebechi...

Rights Groups Protest Alleged Rising Repression Meanwhile, a coalition of labour activists, pro-democracy organisations and civil society groups has staged a protest at the Oyo State House of Assembly and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) office in Ibadan over what they described as increasing repression under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The coalition, comprising groups such as the Federal Workers Forum, Campaign for the Defence of Workers’ Rights, Take It Back Movement, Amílcar Cabral Ideological School, Africa Action Congress (AAC) and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, alleged a growing pattern of arrests, intimidation and detention of citizens for expressing dissenting views. Addressing journalists during the protest, leaders of the coalition warned that the clampdown on activists, journalists and critics represents a deliberate attempt to shrink civic space and criminalise dissent, posing a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stabili...

Human Rights Are Non-Negotiable, Says Anambra Governor’s Wife The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has reiterated that human rights are fundamental and non-negotiable, stressing that respect for human dignity is essential to building a stronger and more just society. Mrs Soludo made this assertion in a press statement issued on Wednesday to mark the 2025 World Human Rights Day, observed globally on 10 December. She emphasised that every individual, irrespective of creed, culture, political affiliation or religious belief, is entitled to the full enjoyment of human dignity and fairness. According to her, understanding and preserving human rights are core values that sustain peaceful coexistence and societal progress. She described human rights as sacred, insisting that no individual should be denied the right to live in safety, thrive and succeed without fear or discrimination. Speaking on this year’s theme, “Let’s Stand for Equality, Freedom, and Dignity for All,” ...

  The Human Rights Institute of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-HRI) has expressed profound sorrow and serious concern over a disturbing petition submitted by the Ndibe family of Osili Village, Enugwu-Ukwu. The petition details the abduction and brutal killing of their only brother, Mr.Cornelius Emenike Ndibe, allegedly while in the custody of the Ndi Akaodo/Agunechemba security outfit in Anambra State. According to the family, Mr. Ndibe was forcefully seized on 31 May 2025, in full view of his young children and other family members. The revelation that he died the following day in custody has provoked widespread outrage and renewed fears over the rising disregard for human life among institutions charged with protecting the public. The NBA-HRI condemned the incident, describing it as yet another tragic reminder of the escalating pattern of avoidable deaths linked to state-affiliated operatives. The Institute lamented that lives appear to have lost value in Nigeria, asking: “Who...

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...