Statement on Recent Developments regarding the Nigeria National Human Rights Commission

Mrs Ajoni had been appointed for five years and her contract was expected to end in 2011. The President appointed Barrister Roland Ewubare to replace her.

The removal of officials of the Commission and the appointment of government officials to the Commission seriously threatens and undermines the independence of the NHRC. This violates the principles regulating the status and functioning of National Human Rights Institutions, which are articulated in the Paris Principles adopted by the United Nations in 1993. Last year, following the removal of Mr Bukhari Belo the then Executive Secretary in similar circumstances, the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) raised its concerns with Nigerian authorities, with regards to the appointment process of Commission members and irregularities around the dismissal process of Mr. Bello. Given the lack of progress made by the authorities in investigating the matter and addressing its concerns, the ICC removed the accreditation A status from the Nigerian Commission as it was felt its independence had been compromised.

The Forum calls upon the government of Nigeria to take necessary measures to guarantee and respect the independence of the NHRC, including the safeguards in the appointment and dismissal procedures of Commissioners. In particular, the Forum asks the government to pass a bill aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the NHRC which has been pending before the National Assembly since 2005.

In February 2009 at the UN Human Rights Council UPR session, Nigeria was called upon to expedite amendments to the Human Rights Commission Act and ensure independence for the Commission and to guarantee its independence in line with the Paris Principles.