UN Human Rights Council 11th Session
Statement by the Delegation of the United States
June 10, 2009
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you to the Nigerian delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Onobu.
The United States thanks Nigeria for its participation in the UPR process and welcomes Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen governmental protections for human rights through adoption of its National Action Plan on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
The United State joins other delegations in noting that torture and abuse of detainees by security forces, lengthy pre-trial detention and poor prison conditions are severe problems in Nigeria. We support recommendations made by many delegations that Nigeria make efforts to end impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations in the criminal justice system.
We also support recommendations to ensure the independence of the National Human Rights Commission from the government.
Finally, the United States notes the recent creation by the Government of Nigeria of a Ministry for the Niger Delta to address the economic, social and political demands of those living in the Delta; we hope that this Ministry has sufficient capacity and government support to address the problems of violence and crime in the region. In this regard, we support the recommendation documented in the working group report that consultations with minority groups in the Delta be undertaken.
Thank you.