JOINT
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF MEETING BETWEEN THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION (NHRC) AND NIGERIA CIVIL SOCIETY SITUATION ROOM - THURSDAY, 26
FEBRUARY, 2015
Representatives
of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) met with the
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday, 26th February 2015 in
Abuja, concerning arrangements for the protection of the human right to
franchise and participation in the 2015 elections (#Franchise2015).
It will
be recalled that recently, the NHRC issued a Pre-Election Report and Advisory
on Violence in Nigeria’s 2015 General Elections, as a concrete measure to
forestall election related violence in Nigeria, protect human rights and bring
accountability to bear for violations of human rights during the 2015 general
elections. The Situation Room and the NHRC examined the recommendations in the
Report and Advisory.
Both
sides agreed and jointly reaffirm commitment to:
a.
Credible elections on the dates designated by the INEC;
b.
Protection of the independence, impartiality and credibility of the INEC as the
body constitutionally entrusted with responsibility for organizing elections in
Nigeria;
c.
Prevention and mitigation of violence, including the need to ensure the
existence of a credible capability to address election-related violence and hate
speech; and
d.
Protection of the integrity and independence of key institutions of government
like the police, military, the judiciary etc that are fundamental to democratic
development, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.
The CSO
Situation Room and the NHRC expressed shared concern about the tone and what
appears to be the willingness of the leading political parties to turn the role
of the security agencies in the 2015 general elections into a partisan issue
and agreed to work together to protect the professionalism and neutrality of
all security units or institutions to be deployed for the elections.
Accordingly,
the CSO Situation Room and the NHRC have agreed to establish a joint Technical
Working Group to work together in developing clear Rules of Engagement together
with Protocols for monitoring compliance by security agencies (including the
police, military, internal security or para-military units) that may be
deployed for election duties in 2015 General elections. The Working Group shall
report not later than the 10 March 2015.
The
Situation Room and the NHRC called for politicians from across the political
divide to close ranks in protecting and defending the credibility of the
electoral system. Accordingly, they agreed that:
a. The
allegations concerning the role of certain senior political and military
personnel in the Ekiti Governorship Elections are serious; and
b. It
is in the interest of the credibility of Nigeria’s election system and of all
persons and institutions associated with these allegations that there should be
a credible, independent and impartial investigation of these allegations
without further delay.
The
Situation Room and the NHRC underscored the recognition of the principle that
the primary responsibility of government is the protection of all persons
within the territory of Nigeria.
Complementarily, they also stressed the need
to preserve the independence, neutrality and impartiality of all security and
law enforcement units deployed on election duty, including the responsibility
to be impartial and respect the human rights of all voters, election
administrators and agent.
Signed:
• Chidi Anslem Odinkalu Ph.D.
(LSE)
Chairman,
NHRC
• Mr Clement Nwankwo
Convener,
Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
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