SERAP tasks Commonwealth on sanctions for attacks on protesters, journalists

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an “urgent appeal” to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, urging her to apply the Commonwealth Charter to hold the Nigerian authorities to account over reports of attacks on #EndHunger protesters and journalists covering the protests in parts of the country.

SERAP urged Scotland to press the Nigerian authorities to “promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively” investigate reports of attacks.

The organisation also urged Scotland to press the Nigerian authorities to publish the outcome of any investigation, hold suspected perpetrators to account, and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the affected journalists and peaceful protesters for any violations of domestic law and international standards.

In the appeal at the weekend, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said targeting journalists with lethal or less-lethal force for doing their work is prohibited under the Nigerian constitution and international human rights law and is contrary to best law enforcement standards.

SERAP stated that those violating such standards must be subject to accountability and disciplinary processes and urged the Commonwealth to take a clear stand to ensure accountability of institutions, media freedom and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.

In the appeal copied to Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk, SERAP lamented that the Nigerian authorities, over the years, had repeatedly demonstrated that it was not committed to protecting human rights.

“Respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizens to trust Commonwealth institutions. The Commonwealth ought to take a strong stand for the protection of human rights and media freedom in Nigeria, principles which are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s integrity, functioning and effectiveness of its institutions.

“Nigerian authorities have the legal obligation to protect journalists reporting the news, including covering protests. Nigerian authorities also have an obligation to investigate and punish any violation that occurs within the framework of a public demonstration including attacks on the press.”

“The Commonwealth Charter and declarations recognise media freedom and the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, access to information, and media freedom, which apply both offline and online,” SERAP said.