HRW urges Tinubu to uphold human rights

President-elect Bola Tinubu has been urged by Human Rights Watch (HRW) to uphold human rights after assuming office as Nigeria’s next president.

Tinubu’s inauguration is set for Monday, May 29, following his declaration as the winner of the February 25 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

HRW advised the president-elect in a statement on its website on Thursday to target critical levels of insecurity, ensure civilian protection and accountability for rights abused, protect Nigerians’ rights to free expression, and prioritize efforts toward the realization of an adequate standard of living for all.

The organisation urged Tinubu to advocate the independence and respect of African human rights institutions and regional courts, such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice.

HRW said Nigeria has a critical role to play, particularly in the West African region, in supporting constitutional democracies and advocating for fundamental rights and democratic freedoms.

HRW also outlined key human rights priorities for the new administration. They include promote civilian protection in conflict zones; respect and protect media freedom and the right to free expression; strengthen the social safety net to combat entrenched poverty and inequality; protect and promote the rights of internally displaced people; and pursue a human-centered foreign policy.