Connect with us

News

ENDSARS: UN Calls For Reformation Of Nigeria’s Security Forces

Published

5 years ago

on

United Nations has called for reform of Nigeria’s Security Forces.
News Rain Nigeria reports that the United Nations (UN) has called on the Federal Government as a matter of urgency to reform the entire Nigeria Security Forces.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations, Michelle Bachelet has on Thursday, 22, October 2020, called on the Nigeria authorities to take an urgent and bold step in reforming the entire nation Security Forces so as to put an end to the underlying problem of violations that are being committed by the security forces, which has resulted in the ongoing nationwide ENDSARS protests.
The UN High Commissioner also noted that after several years of reported violations that are being inadequately attended to, there is a need to be a root and branch re-examination of the entire security sector and its civilian oversight.

ENDSARS: UN Calls For Reform Of Nigeria’s Security Forces

Mrs. Bachelet, while engaging with journalists in Lagos over the ENDSARS protests, noted that the security reformation process should include a full-scale review of the rules of engagement and training systems and methods.
She added that the way to restore trust and bring back peace to the streets of Nigeria is for the authorities to take immediate concrete steps to show they are genuinely committed to tackling impunity, after years of inaction.
Mrs. Bachelet condemned the use of “excessive and disproportionate force’’ by Nigerian forces in Lagos on Tuesday, and urged the government to make stronger efforts to bring security officers guilty of crimes against civilians to justice.
She also condemned the shooting at the innocent protesters at Lekki on Tuesday, she said, “While the number of casualties of the shooting at the Lekki toll plaza in Lagos is still not clear, there is little doubt that this was a case of excessive use of force, resulting in unlawful killings.
“Reports that CCTV cameras and lighting were deliberately disabled prior to the shooting are even more disturbing as, if confirmed, they suggest this deplorable attack on peaceful protesters was premeditated, planned and coordinated. Bachelet said.
Bachelet also noted that the immediate creation of another elite police SWAT to replace the SARS without first addressing some of the root causes of police violence has eroded the public’s trust even further.
She added that the latest event in Lagos was like “wantonly” adding fuel to a fire that was already starting to rage out of control.
“There need to be immediate, independent, transparent, and thorough investigations, not just into Tuesday’s night’s killings, but also into all the previous violations committed by security forces.
“Those appointed to carry out such investigations must not only be independent and impartial but must be widely perceived as such.
“Where sufficient evidence already exists to warrant charges, immediate suspension of officers suspected of committing serious crimes should take place long before the conclusion of such investigations,’’ she said.
Bachelet said that Nigerians, like everyone else, have a fundamental right to peaceful assembly and protest.
The government, according to her, has a responsibility to take positive measures to ensure the realization of this right, including deterring others who intend to prevent them from protesting peacefully.
She urged authorities to grant reparations to the victims and to open extensive dialogue with youth leaders, students, and other groups who had been prominent among the protesters.
“The world’s attention is now focused sharply on how Nigeria’s government and security forces react over the coming days and weeks.
“In a population with such a young median age, it is important to listen to the grievances of the younger generation and make an effort to address the multiple problems they face, which include police brutality and violations,’’ Bachelet said.
Related Topics: