Ahead of the upcoming 2023 general elections, Lawyers Without Borders France (ASF France) has completed a training program on human rights for officers of the Police Complaints Response Unit (CPRU) of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja. The two-day training, which took place on Wednesday, was organized in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria through its Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives for 2022/2023. The program aimed to equip CPRU officers with the necessary skills to respond effectively to human rights violations in the country and to promote the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
In 2022, ASF France also conducted training for lawyers on human rights issues. This initiative was coordinated in partnership with local organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association and the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation, and was implemented under the auspices of the European Union by Agence Française de Développement. The training, themed “Strengthening the National Actors Capacities and Advocacy for Ending Severe Human Rights Violations in Nigeria,” specifically addressed issues such as torture, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary detention. It also aimed to build upon the knowledge gained from previous training sessions for security agencies held in Lagos State.
During the training, the modus operandi of security agencies was examined in relation to human rights laws and standards. Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the Country Director of ASF France, highlighted the significance of the training and the organization’s broader interventions, stressing the necessity for the police to respect and protect human rights. The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, expressed appreciation for ASF France’s efforts and underscored the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards human rights violations and strengthening institutional frameworks.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) emphasized that protecting human rights is particularly critical in law enforcement and military operations. NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, SAN, noted that the police have a fundamental responsibility to protect lives, property, and prevent crime. He acknowledged the important role of the Nigerian police as outlined in the Police Act but emphasized the need for their operations to comply with human rights standards. Ojukwu pointed out that this capacity-building initiative responds to public outcry regarding unlawful or prolonged detention, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, and other forms of torture and degrading treatment.
Ojukwu further stressed the necessity of holding perpetrators of human rights violations accountable, asserting that accountability is essential for preventing further violations and fostering peace and development. He urged the trainees to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training in their operations and to share this knowledge with their colleagues. He warned that unaddressed grievances and lack of accountability could lead to ongoing violations and potential anarchy, emphasizing the responsibility of duty bearers to strengthen accountability mechanisms.
The establishment of the PCRU signifies an acknowledgment of the need for accountability in law enforcement. This unit aims to ensure that police actions are accountable and to improve access to justice for victims whose rights have been violated. It is hoped that this workshop will enhance the capacity of the participating CPRU officers to perform their duties more effectively. The protection of human rights is particularly crucial in law enforcement and military operations, where the potential for abuse exists if powers are not exercised judiciously. International standards have been established to safeguard against tyranny, oppression, and impunity, serving as essential checks on those who wield such powers.
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