The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body in many countries that is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. The specific history of each NHRC can vary depending on the country, but here’s a general overview:
In this post, we take a look at NHRC’s international context and mandate, its presence in Nigeria, functions and overview.
International Context:
The establishment of national human rights institutions gained momentum following the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The declaration set forth a common standard of human rights for all people and nations.
During the 1970s and 1980s, there was a growing recognition of the need for independent bodies at the national level to monitor and protect human rights. This was part of a broader international movement to strengthen human rights mechanisms.
The Paris Principles, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, provided guidelines for the establishment and functioning of national human rights institutions. These principles emphasized the importance of independence, pluralism and a broad mandate covering the promotion and protection of human rights.
Formation of National Human Rights Commissions:
Following this development, many countries started establishing their own National Human Rights Commissions in accordance with the Paris Principles. These commissions were often created through legislation to ensure their independence and effectiveness.
Mandate and Functions:
National Human Rights Commissions typically have a mandate to investigate human rights violations, promote human rights education, monitor the implementation of human rights laws, and make recommendations to the government for policy changes.
Evolution and Challenges:
Over time, the role and functions of NHRCs have evolved, and they have faced various challenges, including issues related to funding, independence, and the ability to address systemic human rights concerns.
International Cooperation:
NHRCs often collaborate with international human rights organizations, participate in global human rights forums, and contribute to the development of international human rights norms.
NHRC’s Presence In Nigeria
Nigeria has a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), a statutory body established to promote and protect human rights in the country. The NHRC in Nigeria was created by the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act, 2010.
Here is an overview of the National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria:
- Establishment:
- The National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria was established in 1995 by the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act.
- Mandate:
- The NHRC in Nigeria is mandated to promote and protect human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and various international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
- Functions:
- The commission has a broad mandate that includes investigating complaints of human rights violations, conducting research and educational programs on human rights, and working to ensure the enforcement of human rights standards in the country.
- Structure:
- The NHRC is structured with a Governing Council, an Executive Secretary, and various departments and units responsible for different aspects of its mandate.
- Activities:
- The NHRC engages in various activities, including investigating reported cases of human rights abuses, conducting public inquiries, promoting human rights education and awareness, and collaborating with other stakeholders to address human rights challenges.
- Challenges:
- Like many National Human Rights Commissions in other countries, the NHRC in Nigeria faces challenges such as resource constraints, the need for increased public awareness, and ensuring effective enforcement of its recommendations.
- International Cooperation:
- The NHRC in Nigeria collaborates with international human rights organizations and participates in international forums to address human rights issues and learn from global best practices.
Functions of NHRC: The commission performs a wide range of functions in Nigeria, ranging from:
- Investigation of Human Rights Violations:
- The NHRC investigates complaints of human rights violations and takes necessary actions to address them. This includes conducting inquiries, hearings, and fact-finding missions.
- Public Inquiries:
- The NHRC has the power to conduct public inquiries into situations where there are allegations of human rights violations. These inquiries aim to gather evidence and make recommendations to address systemic issues.
- Human Rights Education and Awareness:
- The commission is responsible for promoting awareness and understanding of human rights through educational programs, training, and advocacy. This includes educating the public on their rights and responsibilities.
- Research and Documentation:
- The NHRC conducts research on human rights issues, documents human rights violations, and publishes reports to raise awareness and contribute to policy formulation.
- Recommendations and Remedies:
- Upon investigation of complaints, the NHRC makes recommendations to relevant authorities for the protection of human rights. This may include recommending prosecution, compensation, or policy changes.
- Prison Visits:
- The NHRC has the authority to visit prisons and detention facilities to assess the conditions of inmates and ensure that human rights standards are maintained.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders:
- The commission collaborates with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to address human rights challenges and promote a culture of respect for human rights.
- Advisory Role:
- The NHRC serves in an advisory capacity to the government, providing recommendations on legislative and policy reforms to enhance human rights protection.
- International Cooperation:
- The NHRC engages in international cooperation by participating in regional and global human rights forums and collaborating with international human rights organizations.
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
- The NHRC monitors the implementation of human rights laws and policies and evaluates the effectiveness of measures taken by the government to address human rights issues.
Overview:
The NHRC was established in 1995 and later amended in 2010 to strengthen its mandate and effectiveness.
The primary mandate of the NHRC is to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
In addition, the NHRC is designed to be an independent institution, free from interference, to effectively carry out its functions.
In all, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of the NHRC depends on various factors, including its independence, resources and the willingness of government authorities to implement its recommendations.