Roles of Individuals and Groups in the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law by Eguriase S. M. Okaka

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Roles of Individuals and Groups in the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law
By Eguriase S. M. Okaka Human rights are basic rights of citizens to be enjoyed by them as contained in the constitution. Such rights include: right to life, right to education, freedom of expression, right to fair hearing, etc. Government establishes institutions that aid the protection and enjoyment of these rights such as the police, judiciary (court), civil defense, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), NAFDC, ICPC, EFCC, customs and the military. In Nigeria, we also have the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) which is legally empowered to look into cases of human rights abuse. However, human rights are sometimes infringed upon by either an individual or the government. Steps Necessary for the Protection of Human Rights Under a democratic government, rights of citizens are not only entrenched in the constitution, but also protected by actions, policies and institutions of government. The necessary steps for the protection of human rights include: • Constitutionalism: Government must exercise its powers only as provided by the constitution. This means that government institutions must work within the confines of the constitution. Constitutionalism serves as checks on powers of government and also protects the rights of people. • Independent Judiciary: The courts play a vital role in the protection of civil rights and liberties. An independent judiciary would ensure that citizens are not deprived of their rights. Citizens can also seek redress in courts in the event of abuse of their rights. • Effective Criminal Justice System: The powers of the courts and the prison facilities and personnel should be strengthened to ensure speedy hearing and judgment. Everyone should be treated fairly in the law court. The judges should desist from passing judgment based on sentiments. By doing this, human rights will be effectively protected. • Good Governance: This refers to service delivery to the people. Government must work to satisfy the needs and aspirations of the people. • Free Press: The press should have the freedom to operate in protecting human rights within the limits of the constitution. The press should be autonomous and free from government influence. • Respect for the Rights of Others: Individuals must not misuse their freedoms, but cooperate in creating a conducive environment so their fellow citizens can also enjoy their rights. Groups that Assist in Protecting the Human Rights of Citizens There is need for individuals and groups to render assistance so that people can derive maximum benefits of the rights entrenched in the constitution. The ways individuals and groups can assist in protecting human rights and the rule of law including the following: • By representing the affected persons in court. • By drawing attention to cases of human rights violation through protest marches and media coverage. This could, for example, be done by using any of the mass media like the television and radio as well as print media such as newspapers and magazines to enlighten citizens about their rights and expose the violation of the rights of the underprivileged or the poor by the rich or government. • By embarking on hunger strike to demonstrate a deep sense of concern for the violation of the rights of certain persons. In Nigeria, we have groups that assist in protecting the rights of citizens. Examples of such groups are: • Civil Liberty Organization (CLO) • Campaign for Democracy (CD) • Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR)  Trade Unions such as the: • Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) • Trade Union Congress (TUC) • Market Women Association (MWA)  Student Unions such as National Association of Nigerian University Students (NANS)  Ethnic Association such as the: • Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) • Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) • Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB)  Legal Aid Council provides legal representation for the poor. Questions • Explain the term ‘human rights’. • State four steps that can be taken to protect the rights of citizens. • Explain ways individuals and groups help in protecting human rights. • List three groups that can assist in the protection of human rights in Nigeria. • Write the full meaning of the following acronyms: (i) CLO (ii) CDHR (iii) TUC • Identify groups and individuals that assist in protecting human rights of citizens in your locality. • Take part in a discussion on the role of groups that protect the rights of the citizens. Eguria.blogspot.com

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