At UN, Humanists call for Nigeria to strengthen education and policies against harmful traditional practices
Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
Publisher Founding: September 1, 2014
Publisher Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Freethought Newswire
Publication Date: July 17, 2024
Organization: Humanists International
Organization Description: Humanists International is the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement. Inspired by humanist values, we are optimistic for a world where everyone can have a dignified and fulfilling life. We build, support and represent the global humanist movement and work to champion human rights and secularism. We support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
In a joint statement at the UN Human Rights Council, Humanists International, the Humanist Association of Nigeria, and the Advocacy for Alleged Witches have highlighted the persecution faced by those accused of “witchcraft” in Nigeria
The statement was delivered by Ingye Dominic Dooyum of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, an Associate of Humanists International. Dominic Dooyum made the statement by video during the adoption of Nigeria’s UPR* at the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The organizations welcomed Nigeria’s acceptance of several UPR recommendations related to addressing discrimination, violence, and harmful traditional practices. The statement called on the government of Nigeria to implement the accepted UPR recommendations by “enacting legislation to prohibit witch hunts and ensure perpetrators of [such] violence are held accountable”. The statement urged the government to collaborate with human rights organizations within Nigeria.
The work of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches was recently highlighted after the organization received a development grant from Humanists International to address human rights abuses and protect the rights of alleged witches across Nigeria.
It also follows a joint submission made by several members and associates of Humanists International to the UN. This submission was coordinated by Humanists International and highlighted witchcraft-related abuses in Nigeria, Malawi, Uganda, and India, to the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights.
*The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a UN process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States, by each other. It is a unique human rights mechanism in so far as it addresses all countries and all human rights. The Working Group on the UPR, which is composed of the Human Rights Council’s 47 Member States and chaired by the Human Rights Council President, conducts country reviews. Humanists International supports its members in engagement with the process.
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