ASF France, in collaboration with its e-RIGHTS project partners, CITAD and Spaces for Change, hosted two training sessions for judges and lawyers from Lagos and Imo States in Nigeria.
The Enhancing Digital Rights in Nigeria (e-RIGHTS) project aimed to enhance the understanding of legal professionals on international legislation and standards related to digital rights.
The training, conducted for 14 judges and 20 lawyers, focused on equipping participants with knowledge on European and international standards to ensure a safer internet and protect freedom of speech in the digital space.
Mr. Ivan Paneff, the vice president of ASF France, emphasized the importance of updating judges and lawyers on these standards, stating that they play a critical role in addressing rights-based issues in Nigeria.
Representing the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Mrs. Esther I. Jimoh commended ASF France and its partners for providing legal professionals with an opportunity to enhance the enjoyment of digital rights within the legal framework.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice A. J. Coker, stressed the significance of digital rights training for judges and lawyers, highlighting the need for them to stay current with European and international standards to effectively protect the digital rights of Nigerians.
Mrs. Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the Country Director of ASF France, presented an overview of the e-RIGHTS project, outlining its objectives, including capacity building, legal assistance, advocacy, and awareness on digital rights.
The training covered discussions on international, African, European, and French conventions, as well as sessions on the Nigerian legal framework for digital rights, the impact of policy and regulatory instruments, case studies on fake news and A.I, internet bans, online harassment, illegal online content, privacy, and cybersecurity.
The event aimed to empower legal professionals to navigate and address the complexities of digital rights in Nigeria.