Amnesty International Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting human rights, justice, and accountability, with a particular focus on security and defense.
Speaking recently in an interview with the Editor of HybridNewsNg, Mr. Hyacinth Nwafor, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Amnesty International Nigeria, highlighted the organization’s unwavering dedication to justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria.
Tracing the organization’s history, Rafsanjani recalled its intervention during Nigeria’s civil war in 1967, where it called for human rights protections amidst the conflict. In 2015, Amnesty International Nigeria established its national office, a move aimed at bringing its work closer to the ground. This decision has enabled Nigerian staff to lead efforts to promote human rights and deliver impactful interventions across the country.
Through rigorous research, strategic advocacy, and steadfast support for victims of injustice, Amnesty International Nigeria has become a beacon of hope for the marginalized. The organization’s contributions have spanned several critical areas, including housing rights, police accountability, conflict resolution, environmental justice, and the protection of civic spaces for human rights defenders. Notable achievements include advocacy for the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme report on Ogoniland, which has pressured the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project to improve accountability and address the impacts of multinational operations on local communities.
Rafsanjani also highlighted groundbreaking reports such as Stars on Their Shoulders, Blood on Their Hands, which drew international attention to crimes committed during the insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast. This advocacy contributed to the establishment of the Special Board of Inquiry in 2016, underscoring Amnesty International Nigeria’s influence in shaping justice and accountability.
He emphasized that the credibility of Amnesty International Nigeria’s work is rooted in its adherence to internationally recognized research standards. The organization’s rigorous fact-checking, corroboration, and ethical practices ensure that its findings and advocacy remain reliable and impactful.
Despite its achievements, the organization continues to face challenges, particularly concerning police and military excesses, which erode public trust and undermine social harmony. Rafsanjani called for urgent reforms to restore accountability and ensure that security forces respect human rights. He also addressed the broader impact of human rights violations, such as arbitrary arrests, detentions, and gender-based violence, while advocating for climate justice, children’s rights, and stronger protections for civic spaces.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of human rights systems in Nigeria, exacerbating inequalities and hindering access to justice. Nevertheless, Amnesty International Nigeria’s resilience shone through as its advocacy led to key victories, including the release of over 600 detainees and the ECOWAS Court’s ruling against Nigeria’s unlawful Twitter ban.
Rafsanjani concluded by emphasizing the crucial role of journalists in amplifying human rights narratives. He urged media professionals to uphold ethical reporting and work collaboratively with human rights organizations to hold power to account. As Amnesty International Nigeria marks over 11 years of impactful work, the organization remains committed to advancing justice, equality, and human rights for all Nigerians, while fostering partnerships that pave the way for a fairer and more equitable society.