UN rights experts urge Nigeria authorities not to infringe on Commission’s independence

Expressing “profound concern” at the removal earlier this month of the head of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, two United Nations human rights experts today urged the country’s authorities not to interfere in the independence of the body but to guarantee its freedom of expression.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders, Hina Jilani, and the Special Rapporteur of the African Commission for People and Human Rights on Human Rights Defenders, Reine Alapini-Gansou, said in a statement they had information that the head of the Commission was removed because of statements criticizing the Government.

“The experts have received information indicating that Mr. [Bukhari] Bello has been targeted by the Government following his statement at the thirty-ninth session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, press statements and media appearances criticizing the failure of authorities to respect human rights and the rule of law,” the statement said.

“The removal of Mr. Bello represents a reprisal for his critical work in the defence of human rights as Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission,” the statement added, saying that such interference will result in undermining the Commission’s independence and obstructing its work.

“They, therefore, urge the Government of Nigeria to take all measures that are necessary to restore confidence of the Commission in the guarantee of its independence and freedom to perform its essential functions. In this regard they also urge all authorities and officials to refrain from any action that infringes on this independence.”

The experts also reminded the Government of its responsibility under the UN Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms to guarantee the freedom of expression and the freedom from fear of retaliation for all those acting in defence of human rights.

Special Rapporteurs are unpaid and serve in an independent personal capacity. They received their mandate from the now defunct UN Commission on Human Rights and will now report to the newly established and enhanced Human Rights Council, which is currently holding its inaugural session.