U.S. Statement at the UPR of Nigeria
Statement deliverd by Miriam Schive
17th Session October 22, 2013
The United States welcomes the Nigerian delegation.
We commend Nigeria and President Jonathan for strengthening the National Human Rights Commission and supporting the Independent National Electoral Commission and its electoral reform efforts.
We condemn Boko Haram’s horrific attacks on Nigerians, including members of the public and the government. We are also concerned by reports of Nigerian security forces perpetrating serious human rights violations in their counter-insurgency efforts, particularly against those detained in state custody, and we urge Nigeria to respect human rights in any security response.
We are disappointed by Nigeria’s statement, in response to the recommendations from its first UPR, that LGBT persons “are not visible in Nigeria.”
We also remain concerned that Nigerian law and practice do not meet ILO standards on freedom of association, including a legislatively imposed trade union monopoly.
We recommend Nigeria:
- Hold security forces accountable for human rights violations, and establish a system for human rights monitoring to promote accountability for gross violations of human rights;
- Establish policies and procedures that protect the human rights and security of all Nigerians, including LGBT persons, their families and associates;
- Amend the Trade Union Act in order to guarantee freedom of association and effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.