The Right to peacefully protest is a human right and a way for people to express their views, concerns, and grievances. It’s protected under international human rights law, including the right to freedom of assembly and association, which is outlined in Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right extends to all peaceful gatherings, regardless of public support, and includes the right to hold meetings, sit-ins, strikes, rallies, and protests.” – UN
By Wenona Russ
According to the United Nations, “the Right to peacefully protest is a human right and a way for people to express their views, concerns, and grievances. It’s protected under international human rights law, including the right to freedom of assembly and association, which is outlined in Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right extends to all peaceful gatherings, regardless of public support, and includes the right to hold meetings, sit-ins, strikes, rallies, and protests.”
I remember the EndSARS tragedy. I remember the 2023 Elections fiasco. My heart broke for the Nigerian people as I witnessed the atrocities you endured…just because you dared to practice your rights!
We in Amerikkka have had to protest (and more) in the face of gross human rights violations, such as the executions of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
60 years ago, Black Americans embarked upon a civil rights movement …and honestly, those fighting for civil rights thought that was the best course of action for our people.
But in hindsight, it would have had more impact had the CRM leaders of the 1950s and beyond would have fought for our HUMAN RIGHTS…making the Civil Rights Movement a HUMAN Rights Movement!
Civil Rights speaks to having the right to peacefully coexist among a group of people. To assimilate. But Human Rights far outweighs just cordially being able to eat with certain folks, go to school with certain folks, being able to intermarry/blend in/swirl. Because the United States CRM 60 years after it’s inception has proven that a people can have civil rights and yet still have their human rights violated!
For instance, George Floyd attended South Florida State College on a scholarship where only 10% of the students are African American. And he went to Texas A&M University of Kingsville, where an even smaller amount of African Americans attended – less than 5%. His being able to attend both colleges was a result of the Civil Rights Movement – one of the goals of the CRM was to assure blacks would have access to a quality education.
BUT…
IN SPITE of Floyd being a college educated man that won a scholarship, his HUMAN rights were violated when Derek Chauvin strangled him to death for all the world to see.
Therefore, it is imperative that a people fight for their RIGHTS over civil rights. Human Rights first, then civil.
What are Human Rights?
Human rights are rights which apply to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was Drafted by the U.N. by the at the General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 by General Assembly resolution 217 A.
Can I Protest in Nigeria?
Under the Public Order Act, it is lawful to PEACEFULLY PROTEST. This means no weapons can be brandished. No property can be destroyed. And military and police CANNOT stop the people from peacefully assembling.
The Nigerian authorities must ensure that protesters can freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, which are guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
According to Article 21 of the U.N. International Covenant of Civil Rights, citizens, nationals, legal AND illegal immigrants CAN participate in peaceful protests. This is INTERNATIONAL LAW, which again supercedes domestic law.
Less than one week ago, EVOWAS & a West African court ruled that Nigerian law enforcement violated the HUMAN RIGHTS of the young people murdered at Lekki gate …aka the EndSARS Massacre in 2020. A cash settlement of almost 10 million naira will be awarded to the family of the victims.
This is a significant victory for human rights in Nigeria.
This also sends a clear message to Nigerian authorities that human rights violations as a form of manipulation and control of the people will no longer be tolerated and can cost the government millions in punitive damages payable to the people if it continues to occur.
International Law Vs. Domestic Law
Domestic Laws govern actions within a country but International Law supercedes domestic law. International law operates on a global scale, addressing issues that affect the international community as a whole, such as international peace and security, human rights, and global trade. Domestic law, on the other hand, applies within the borders of a specific country and regulates the conduct of individuals, organizations, and entities within that jurisdiction.
When a country fails to uphold the HUMAN rights of it’s people within it’s region, it can negatively impact others globally. This is why it is best for a government to honor the human rights of it’s people.
If the human rights are not protected or has been violated-and a government has failed to address grievances, anyone can submit a Human Rights complaint to the United Nations. https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/complaint-procedure/hrc-complaint-procedure-index.
I cannot tell you to protest. I can only share information with you that empowers you to make the best decision. I can only advise what works and what doesn’t .
I want to see Nigeria RISE and be the great nation she was created to be! Only YOU know what it will take to make that happen 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬
