Lesson Content:

1. Introduction:

What are Human Rights Institutions?

As we learned in Term 2, when a citizen's fundamental rights (like the Right to Life or Fair Hearing) are abused, they are not helpless.

Human Rights Institutions are the places a citizen can go to seek help, protection, and justice. They are the "referees" that protect citizens from abuse.

Human right institutions can be classified into 2two;

1. Government Institutions (Statutory Bodies)

A. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Who they are: A government institution established by law (the NHRC Act). It

is independent, but funded by the government.

Primary Roles:

1. Investigation: They receive and investigate all complaints of human rights abuses from any person or group.

2. Monitoring: they monitor prisons, police cells, and other places of detention to ensure they meet human rights standards.

3. Advising: To advise the government on laws and policies related to Human rights.

4. Education: They educate the public (like students) about their fundamental rights.

Their Power: They can order compensation for victims and work with the police to get abusers arrested.

B. The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria

Who are They: A government agency.

*Primary Role: To provide free legal services (lawyers) to poor Nigerian citizens who cannot afford to hire one.

*Why it is important: The Constitution guarantees the "Right to a Fair Hearing," which includes the right to a lawyer. But lawyers are expensive. If a poor person is arrested, they might go to jail simply because they cannot afford a lawyer. The Legal Aid Council provides that lawyer for free, ensuring that poverty does not deny justice.

*Who they help: They focus on serious criminal cases (like robbery, murder) and civil cases (like a widow being kicked out of her home).

2. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

 Definition: An NGO is a non-profit, private organisation that is not part of the government. They are run by private citizens and are funded by public donations.

 Role in Human Rights: Human rights NGOs (also called Civil Society Organisations) are crucial "watchdogs." Their roles include:

i. Advocacy: They are a loud voice for the voiceless. They protest, use the media, and pressure the government to stop abuses

ii. Legal Support: Some (like FIDA) have their own lawyers who take on cases for free.

iii. Research and Reports: They investigate and publish detailed reports on abuses, which are used by the media and the UN.

 Examples of Human Rights NGOs in Nigeria:

Ì)Amnesty International (Nigeria): A global group that campaigns against torture and unfair imprisonment.

Ìì) FIDA (Federación Internacional de Abogadas / International Federation of Women Lawyers): An NGO of female lawyers who fight for the rights of women and children.

Ìíì)Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO): One of Nigeria's oldest human rights groups.

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Human Rights Institution