CSOs Call For Stronger Collaboration To Promote Human Rights In Nigeria

Civil society organisations, Ohaha Family Foundation and Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative, have called for stronger collaboration among government and development stakeholders to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

The groups made the call in a joint statement to mark Human Rights Day 2025, warning that persistent injustice, discrimination, and violence continue to threaten the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

They said access to safety, education, healthcare, and meaningful civic participation remains out of reach for many Nigerians, stressing the need for urgent and coordinated interventions.

According to the organisations, respect for human rights is critical to peace, stability, and sustainable development, and must be treated as a national priority.

They urged federal and state governments, donors, international partners, the private sector, and the Nigerian diaspora to work with local communities and civil society actors to strengthen access to justice, improve governance accountability, and expand opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

The statement also called for increased investment in education, youth-led advocacy, and community-based human rights programmes, alongside greater funding for climate and environmental initiatives that place people at the centre of sustainable development.

The groups pledged to sustain joint advocacy efforts through community engagement, policy influence, and grassroots empowerment, aimed at deepening human rights awareness and enforcement.

They commended the courage of human rights defenders and emphasized that the pursuit of dignity, equality, and freedom remains an ongoing global responsibility.