As the world marks the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) joins the international community in observing this pivotal day. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” underscores the essential role of human rights in fostering democracy, challenging systemic inequality, and advancing social and economic justice.
At the core of these human rights are the fundamental freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly. These rights empower individuals to voice dissent, hold power accountable, and ensure that marginalized groups have a place in governance.
In a statement issued by Robert Egbe, Media and Communication Officer for CAPPA, it was emphasized that free speech and the right to peaceful assembly form the beating heart of any democracy as “they provide a vital space for contesting ideas, holding power accountable, and amplifying marginalized voices in governance processes”.
“These values create a marketplace of ideas where the strongest, most equitable, and forward-thinking solutions rise to prominence, driving societal progress,” the group added.
However, CAPPA stated that there is growing concern about the erosion of human rights in Nigeria as Nigerian authorities have increasingly used repressive measures to silence dissent.
Several incidents highlight the alarming trend of crackdown on free speech and human rights in Nigeria from arbitrary arrests to physical attacks.
“CAPPA is deeply concerned about the escalating criminalisation of civic engagement, evidenced by the Gestapo-style kidnappings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, and the detention of activists, dissenting voices, and journalists exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, association, and expression.
“For instance, in August 2024, Nigerian security agencies reportedly used excessive force to suppress protests against rising costs of living and poor governance across the country, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and the arrest of over a thousand demonstrators.
“Similarly, in November 2024, the detention of 29 minors aged 14 to 17, as well as the victimisation of young Nigerian activists for participating in the #EndBadGovernnance protests, with charges that included treason, exemplified the disproportionate and punitive measures increasingly deployed against legitimate dissent.
“These actions are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader trend of shrinking civic space and the use of anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws to undermine human rights and intimidate civic actors. Sadly, they directly contradict Nigeria’s commitments under international human rights frameworks and the principles enshrined in its Constitution. By criminalising protests and targeting those who demand accountability, the government erodes not only the rights of its citizens but also the foundational values of a free and just society,” CAPPA said.
CAPPA calls on Nigerian authorities to halt these repressive actions and restore the constitutional rights of citizens to freely express themselves and assemble peacefully.
“The arbitrary arrests and detention of activists and protesters must stop immediately, and those currently in custody and being prosecuted for exercising their rights should be released unconditionally, with all frivolous charges against them dropped,” CAPPA demanded.
The organization also called on the Nigerian government to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse and excessive force by security agencies and that civil society organizations be allowed to operate freely, without undue restrictions or intimidation, recognising their critical role in promoting democracy and social justice.