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Human Rights and The Rule of Law

Human rights and the rule of law are two concepts that are closely related to one another. Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that are entitled to every human being, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religion, or any other status. They are universal, indivisible, and interdependent, and include civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

The rule of law, on the other hand, is the principle that everyone is subject to the law, and that no one is above it. It is the foundation of a just and democratic society and ensures that everyone is equal before the law and that there is no discrimination or arbitrary use of power.

Human rights and the rule of law are essential for the protection of individual freedoms and the promotion of social justice. They provide a framework for the development of a fair and equitable society, where everyone has equal opportunities to participate and succeed. They also serve as a safeguard against abuses of power and tyranny and ensure that governments are held accountable for their actions.

In short, human rights and the rule of law are essential components of a just and democratic society, and their promotion and protection are essential for the well-being and happiness of all people.

Human rights are liberties imposed on individuals by laws or international agreements that set a standard of behaviour. Some of the fundamental human rights include:

i. Right to life.

ii. Right to freedom of speech.

iii. Right to a fair hearing.

iv. Right to an association.

v. Right to own property.

vi. Right to free movement.

The Preservation of Law

However, kids must be shielded from any kind of abuse or persecution. These are the means through which people defend the rights of citizens.

i. Representing the affected person in court: Human rights advocates often do this, most notably the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. Dele Giwa’s case, which he fought for many years before to his death, is an excellent example.

ii. Writing in print media: Human rights violations are often made public via in-depth reporting in newspapers and publications.

iii. Special programmes on electronic media: Some electronic media outlets air programmes that expose viewers to instances of violations of human rights at work, in their neighbourhoods, and in the larger community.

Other means of protecting human rights and the rule of law are:

i. Hunger strike: Some people express their rage by depriving themselves of food for an extended length of time until a change occurs. Asia is a continent where this is typical. They do this in order to alter the government.

ii. Protest marches: This is another method of expressing unhappiness with certain circumstances. This is accomplished via nonviolent protests and the use of placards to express displeasure. Chief Ganifawehinmi and Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, among others, had led similar demonstrations in Nigeria, particularly against the military dictatorship.

iii. Media coverage: Media outlets including radio, television, newspapers, and press conferences have been used to combat violations of human rights. Journalists have fought military oppression with the power of the written word.

Other Groups that Protect the Human Rights of Citizens

Other formal organisations support Nigeria’s efforts to uphold the rule of law and promote human rights.  They are as follows:

i. Trade Unions: The principal participants in this union include organisations like the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA). They work towards shared goals and targets in order to benefit their members. They fall under the protection of the Nigeria Labour Congress. In Nigeria, the battle against violations of human rights has been led by the Nigeria Labour Congress.

ii. Students’ Union: The battle against laws that negatively impact Nigerian students is also led by them. They often fight against programmes like the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), rising fuel pump prices, increase in tuition fees and strikeiii. Civic Liberty Organization: It is Nigeria’s leading group for indigenous rights. It is a human rights project that is non-profit and non-governmental.