Increasing state of insecurity, inflation violates right to livelihood – HRAN tells FG
Samuel Luka, Bauchi
The Human Rights Agenda Network ( HRAN) has condemned what it described as the increasing state of insecurity and rising inflation in Nigeria.
The human right group which made the condemnation in a press statement signed by its coordinator, Moshood Rihanat Ronke yesterday said that situation violates rights to life and livelihood of the Nigerian people.
“The number of Nigerian people living in extreme poverty increases daily with many facing dire circumstances of lack of access to basic means of livelihood”, HRAN decried.
The rights group urged Nigerian authorities to ensure improve security to lives and property of the citizens as the nation edges towards the 2023 general elections in February and March.
“There is need for Nigerian governments at federal and state levels to improve security of lives and properties, and provide the conducive atmosphere for the people to exercise their right to vote in the elections”, the rights organization demanded.
As the world marks the International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2022, HRAN further called on the Nigerian government to fully commit to its obligations to respect and protect the human rights of its citizens as contained in the 1999 Constitution and treaties of the United Nations and the African Union that Nigeria has ratified.
HRAN said, having a network of over 300 human rights NGOs in Nigeria, it will engage in the monitoring of the political parties’ campaigns and electioneering activities throughout the general elections.
It called on the populace to ensure they participate in deciding the candidates of their choice.
“This year’s theme, “Dignity, Freedom, and justice for All” relates to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity of right”, HRAN said.
According to the rights organization, “Article 2 states that everyone is entitled to all the freedoms “without distinction of any kind such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”.
HRAN expressed concerns about the spate of violations of rights of Nigerians, especially young Nigerians of their rights to freedom of expression and human dignity.
“We at HRAN firmly believe that the protection of human dignity, freedom, and particularly the elimination of discrimination and promotion of Justice for all persons regardless of their age, status, sex, or background, are essential in nation’s development peace and security”, the press statement added.
“Also, in preparation for the 75th celebration of Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2023, HRAN will commit to raising public awareness of human rights in order to empower Nigerians to stand up for their rights”, it further noted.
