By Angela Atabo/Aderogba George

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on Nigerian authorities and international organisations to implement human rights reforms aimed at protecting human rights, freedom of expression, and strengthening democratic accountability.

Its Board Chairman, Auwal Rafsanjani, made the call at the unveiling of the Amnesty International 2025 Annual Report titled “The State of the World’s Human Rights” in Abuja on Wednesday.

Rafsanjani said Nigerian government should strengthen accountability mechanisms and ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations are brought to justice.

According to him, there is also need to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly and prioritise the protection of civilians in all security operations.

He added that the government should address structural inequalities that perpetuate poverty and exclusion.

He urged the international community to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Rafsanjani expressed hope that its 2025 annual report would inspire action by policymakers, institutions, and citizens to protect human rights belong to all.

He reaffirmed Amnesty International Nigeria’s commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to build a society where justice, dignity, and equality are not privileges, but guaranteed rights for everyone.

According to Rafsanjani, the report is a global analysis that focuses on issues that highlight some adverse trends at a global level, in Africa and especially Nigeria.

“The report captured the realities faced by millions, stories of resilience, of injustice, abuse, and systemic failures that demand urgent attention,and remembrance that human rights are lived experiences that shape dignity, freedom, and opportunity.

“In Nigeria, the findings of this year’s report highlight persistent and emerging concerns, including: violations linked to insecurity and counter-terrorism operations, restrictions on civic space, unlawful detentions, gender-based violence, and challenges in access to justice.”

Rafsanjani said the report also drew attention to socio-economic inequalities that continue to deny many Nigerians their basic rights to health, education, and a decent standard of living.

“While we acknowledge efforts by authorities in certain areas, it is clear that much more needs to be done to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability.”

Also speaking, Isah Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said the report painted a troubling picture of increasing human rights violations across continents, with Nigeria emerging as a country of serious concern.

“Our findings show that human rights continue to deteriorate. People are being killed in their homes, particularly in rural communities across Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Katsina states.

“If people cannot live peacefully, then the most basic right, the right to life is not guaranteed,” Sanusi said.

According to him, the crisis is deeply tied to economic hardship, urging the government to rethink its approach to security.

“There is no way to successfully fight insecurity without addressing poverty. You cannot prioritise massive spending on weapons while millions face hunger and deprivation,” he said.

Sanusi called for a comprehensive strategy that includes improving living conditions, reducing poverty, and strengthening economic opportunities.

“From January to April this year, about 1,100 people have been abducted,” he said, citing a mass kidnapping in Borno State where over 400 women and children were taken and remain in captivity.

He also decried impunity, noting that perpetrators of violence are rarely brought to justice.

“The absence of accountability is fueling these crimes. The government must demonstrate that there are consequences for such actions,” he said.

Sanusi urged authorities to prioritise the protection of lives, ensure justice for victims, and safeguard democratic freedoms, including political participation and media independence.

“The most important responsibility of any government is the protection of its people,” he said.

“We will continue to challenge human rights violations and push for a Nigeria where dignity, safety, and justice are guaranteed for all.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab