The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland QC, to hold the Nigerian government accountable for alleged attacks on journalists covering the #EndHunger protests and other peaceful demonstrations.
In an urgent appeal dated August 3, 2024, signed by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Ms. Scotland to use the Commonwealth Charter to press Nigerian authorities to investigate these reported attacks thoroughly, impartially, and transparently. The appeal also asked for the publication of investigation outcomes, accountability for perpetrators, and access to justice for affected journalists and protesters.
SERAP requested that the Commonwealth Secretary-General ensure the Nigerian government upholds journalists’ rights to monitor and report on protests safely, without detention, threats, attacks, or restrictions.
The appeal was also sent to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. SERAP emphasized that targeting journalists with force is prohibited under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law and called for accountability for such violations.
The organization criticized the Nigerian authorities for their repeated failure to protect human rights, asserting that respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizen trust. It urged the Commonwealth to take a firm stand in protecting human rights and media freedom in Nigeria.
SERAP highlighted that Nigerian authorities are legally obligated to protect journalists covering protests and investigate any violence against them. The Commonwealth Charter supports media freedom and the right to participate in democratic processes through peaceful expression, access to information, and assembly.
The organization called for the immediate release of peaceful protesters and journalists detained for exercising their rights and insisted that law enforcement should only use force in exceptional, necessary, and proportionate circumstances.
SERAP cited specific incidents where security agents attacked journalists and protesters in Abuja and other locations, using tear gas and firearms. These attacks reportedly targeted journalists from The PUNCH, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette, among others. It also mentioned the arrest of a freelance journalist and other peaceful protesters in Abuja.
The appeal concluded by stressing the critical role journalists play in promoting transparency and accountability during protests and called on Nigerian security agents to ensure their safety.
