The International Human Rights Commission – RFT Nigeria Chapter (IHRC-RFT), accredited by the United Nations ECOSOC, issues a renewed and urgent plea to the Nigerian judiciary to protect the rights of minors unjustly detained following the #EndBadGovernance protests.
After witnessing the distressing condition of malnourished children in court on Friday, it is clear that many detainees may not even meet the age threshold required by law for formal arraignment.
It appears that ages have been exaggerated to bring these innocent youths within the judicial scope, undermining their fundamental rights and violating both national and international standards for child protection.
Protecting Nigeria’s Youth Amid Governmental Failures
The faces of these young detainees bear the weight of a systemic failure that has left Nigeria’s children vulnerable at home, in school, and society. Deprived of proper guidance and support, children are exposed to exploitation and abuse.
Now, rather than addressing the root causes of their plight, the government seeks to punish them for attempting to survive in a challenging environment.
Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution both affirm the government’s duty to safeguard the welfare and security of all citizens, especially vulnerable children.
The IHRC-RFT is calling upon the judiciary to reflect deeply on these standards, recognizing the serious ethical implications of allowing such harmful practices to persist.
Judicial responsibility in upholding Justice for minors
IHRC-RFT urges the judiciary to:
1. Thoroughly Verify Ages of Detainees: Ensure no child below the legal age is subjected to undue criminalization due to manipulated documentation or other forms of coercion.
2. Protect Minors from Inhumane Treatment: Take immediate steps to address the severe physical and mental distress caused by prolonged detention and malnutrition.
3. Reject Executive Overreach: Serve as an independent check on the executive’s treatment of vulnerable minors by ensuring that all detained children are treated with dignity and compassion.
Urgent Call to International and Local Human Rights Advocates
IHRC-RFT appeals to our global partners and Nigeria’s own human rights community to speak out against these injustices. The exploitation of children, especially under the guise of legal proceedings, demands a collective response.
A commitment to human rights means safeguarding the most vulnerable among us, particularly those who lack a voice or the means to defend themselves.
The IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter stands resolute in its commitment to protect and defend the rights of all individuals, especially children.
We implore the Nigerian judiciary to rise to its duty by rejecting harmful executive actions that put minors at risk.
Together, we can uphold a vision of Nigeria that values justice, equity, and the rights of every child to a safe, dignified life.
Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu
Country Director,
IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter.
