Nigeria Director, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, yesterday called for strict punishment by the government for the violation of the rights of women and children. Nigeria is the most populated African country, which has the biggest economy on the whole continent. Despite the evidence that child marriage was more of a cultural than religious practice in early Islamic societies, adherents in Nigeria, most especially in the North, still would hold steadfast to the act and fight any interventions of law that come its way, even as many or strong as they may be. In some parts of Nigeria, women are still regarded as part of the husbands property and as such she cannot inherit her husbands property, but must be inherited alongside his other property by another male of the family. an attempt will be made to examine the harmful practice of early marriage as a a violation of the human rights of women in Nigeria and proffer a solution to its malaise. Women still have a higher unemployment rate than men. Womens The right to be provided with a house by her husband terminates upon divorce. the passing of legislation on the adoption of Gender Policy Act 2007.722 Others, are Trafficking Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act,723, National Policy on HIV/AIDS,724 Reproductive Health and Female Genital, Mutilation, and Establishment of Schools for Girls.725 However, these laws are, not physically enforced within the society. Direct assault by security officers is becoming prevalent. Share this via LinkedIn Some parts of the country, some tribes, some cultures, and some people of a major religion believe that when a girl-child has reached the age of 13 or slightly above 13, she explicitly should not be with her parents any longer, they then go on to match-make her with any available suitor while not minding the age difference. about justice, as well as to prosecute offenders.726, Though most domestic legislation explicitly makes provision for the protection of Section 55 of the Labour Act prohibits women from working in the night. Nigeria is a state party to the UNSC, the ICC,707 and the Organisation of African . This takes the form of a woman being treated less favourably than a man on the grounds of sex, or indirectly by conditions applied equally to men and women which are detrimental to women. Human Rights Watch is a 501(C)(3)nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 13-2875808. Reason For The Many Attacks By Ned Nwoko On Gov. Some, Khalifeh et al (2014) conclude that men and women who experience severe mental illness and are in contact with psychiatric services are 2-8 times more likely to experience domestic. Nwanoye James is the Content Editor and Curator for Opinion Nigeria. WOMEN Human Rights in Africa, From the OAU to the African Union; The African, Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (1981-1982) 22 Virginia Journal of International Law A mind-boggling infection that has, indeed, been endemic to the major parts of the country. Principally, most parents dont care to think about the consequences of such actions, instead, they only enjoy the initial results. One of the senators said that in compliance with Islamic traditions, a womans inheritance can be only a half of what a man would inherit and that nobody has a right to change this way of living. This decision has been supported actively by defenders of women rights, but, sadly, not by every person in Nigeria. Three suicide bombers also killed 27 people and wounded 83 in coordinated attacks at a market and an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri in August. who can commit rape. Human Rights Violation in Nigeria In Nigeria, women are brought up with an idea that they are going to have children. For instance, a case was brought before the Gwagwalada High Court in Abuja in which a police man raped two girls. Jigawa, Kwara, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo States took steps to develop such laws. See W. Michael To begin, this practice is largely a common one among the female children. Some senators spoke out that such a law would go against the national cultural traditions and beliefs of Nigerians. crimes of rape and sexual abuses,743 until the establishment of the ICC, whereby, crimes of rape and sexual violence are treated as crimes against humanity, and Violation of Innocent Esq Sexual rights embrace certain human rights that are already recognized in national laws, international human rights documents, and other consensus documents. Criminal Code, 738 The terms sexual contact sexual act and committing sexual acts shall be used in this, document to describe the physical acts through which crimes of rape or sexual assault are The legal framework for womens rights in Nigeria is based on the Constitution primarily, other local laws and international treaties relating to women ratified by the country. Their northern neighbors received the same right only in 1978, after 20 years! For a comprehensive overview of Vol 3 2012. Of course, there is a law that forbids cruelty at home but in practice women remain unprotected because the police treats these situations as a personal matter of every separate family. be prosecuted under the law, even if he would otherwise be considered a However in the case of women married under law, where she is able to produce documents showing she made a contribution to the property, she is entitled to the part of the property commensurate to her contribution. By Omoba, 708 Murray, R. 2000. Establishment of science schools for girls; Establishment of women development centres in 36 states; Adoption of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act; Establishment of a national agency for the prohibition of trafficking in persons; Adoption of a national policy on HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and female genital mutilation. Keywords: human rights, Igbo custom, Nigeria, son Assessing Women's Rights in Nigeria - FPIF Chiefly, the reasons for early marriages are researched and found to be caused by several factors which include; lack of education; traditional, cultural, or religious beliefs; poverty and total or partial discrimination which could largely result from the perceived low status of girls or absolute gender inequality. No option is always worth sending a girl-child to early marriage. In light of the current realities, government should redeem its image and show its commitment by: Scholars, advocates, and activists seeking to make the U.S. a more responsible global partner. By Doris U. An error occurred while subscribing your email address. Domestic violence is also another trauma, a consequence that is faced and experienced by children married off at this very early age. women in Nigeria are still adversely treated by the patriarchal structure of the Many women are denied custody and access to their children. (e) Positive action to promote participation of women in politics and decision-making. Terrorist organizations often treat women as rubbish. uniformity that conforms to international human rights law.713 He expressed this, by highlighting the complexities of the different systems of laws,714 quoting, reasons for delays in the implementation of laws for the protection of women and The extremist group, however, continued its violent campaign in the northeast, particularly in Borno and some parts of Yobe and Adamawa states. These considerations include a recognition of Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, which enshrines the principle of non-discrimination. In perhaps its deadliest 2017 attack, Boko Haram ambushed an oil exploration team from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in July, killing at least 69 people in Magumeri, approximately 30 miles outside Maiduguri. So the prevalence of such an act in those cases will resultantly be high. By virtue of the protocol, Nigerian women are guaranteed the right to dignity;[2] the right to life, integrity and security of persons;[3] freedom from harmful practices which At the time, the settlement was run by the military. The court threw out charges against 34, discharged 468, and referred 25 defendants for trial in other courts. Comprehensive Agenda for Human Dignity and Sustainable Democracy in Africa. Crime and Public Safety in Nigeria.pdf. 703 Ibid. comply with current day situations as required by international law. By virtue of the protocol, Nigerian women are guaranteed the right to dignity; the right to life, integrity and security of persons; freedom from harmful practices which negatively affect the human rights of women; equal rights in marriage; equal rights in cases of separation, divorce and annulment; the right to equal protection and benefit of the law; the right to participate in political and decision making process; the right to a peaceful existence and participation in the promotion and maintenance of peace; the right to education and training; equal opportunity in work and career advancement; the right to health, including sexual and reproductive rights; the right to food security; the right to adequate housing; the right to a positive cultural context; the right to a healthy and sustainable environment; the right to sustainable development; widows rights; the right to equitable share in inheritance; the right of elderly women to special protection and freedom from violence; the right of women with disabilities to special protection and freedom from violence; the right of women in distress to special protection; and a right of remedy to any woman whose right or freedom has been violated. Learn how your comment data is processed. the property of their husbands, and the fact that other male members of the family Flood! A mind-boggling infection that has, indeed, been endemic to the major parts of the country. Approximately 2.1 million people have been displaced by the conflict while 7 million need humanitarian assistance; in February the United Nations secretary-general, together with key UN agencies, warned Nigeria was facing famine-like conditions due to insecurity triggered by the war. Over 180 civilians have been killed in suicide bomb attacks since late 2016, mostly in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. Share this via Reddit After six months of investigations, authorities said they had mistaken the settlement of displaced people for insurgent forces. Girl-Child Marriage: A Violation Of Womens Human Rights In Nigeria -By Abdulazeez Rahmah According to a research of UNICEF, an estimated 22 million child brides Significant advances have been made in the area of womens participation in governance, yet the political participation of women in Nigeria remains one of the lowest in the world. If embraced or recognized, it would be of great help towards the betterment of themselves and the society they live in. With a maternal mortality ratio of 704 to 1,000 per 100,000 live births, Nigeria continues to have one of the highest levels of maternal mortality. Human rights in Nigeria - Wikipedia No option is always worth sending a girl-child to early marriage. Abuses by armed groups. The governor of Kaduna state called for the intervention of the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to end the perennial violence between the two groups. Violence takes several forms, including domestic violence, early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation, widow torture and inheritance related violence. Womens rights violation in Nigerias tripartite legal system as an. In 2014 only, Boko Haram stole nearly 300 of girls right from their school. the implementation of legislation guaranteeing the rights of women.718, Furthermore, Act Cap 10 of 1999 Nigerian Constitution stresses the enforcement The authorities should honor the essence of the day by listening to, and engaging with, the protesters to ensure that Nigerias Constitution can more effectively counter the damaging societal norms that exclude women from full participation in the nations affairs. Some human rights defenders are at greater risk because of the nature of the rights they seek to protect women human rights defender sometimes confront risks that are gender specific and require particular attention. customary practices.712 Critics like Justice Haleem also argue that the quest for, human rights and human dignity was a phenomenon of modern life. The protocol was adopted on 11 July 2003 by the AU to strengthen the promotion and protection of womens rights. 1. redditads Promoted. 719Oba, Abdulmumini A. Women's Rights 2004 The African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and ouster. However, going to the second reason which is said to be based on some beliefs. in its criminal codes abuses that are harmful to women.728, In addition, practices in Nigeria survive, such as the law that regards women as 2008 ChristianMuslim relations in Northern Nigeria since the introduction, 713 The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and its. One of their goals was to provide contraceptives for women who had undergone sexual violence and could fall pregnant. The law has undermined freedom of association and expression for members of the LGBT community, human rights organizations, and others. Article violation of womens rights institutionalisation of women and children was used by both rebels and, 735 US the Department of Justice. The use of this Despite all these attributing them to the dwindling process of domesticating international treaties prohibits a woman from transferring her nationality to her husband, if he is foreign; forced child marriage. Also, Nigeria does not have a social security plan for providing food and housing to the poor. Share this via WhatsApp Human Rights Violations in Nigeria_NCVS.pdf. Fawehinmi [2000] 6 NWLR 228 where the Nigerian Supreme Court stated that [c]ap 10 [African 704 American Journal of International Law, 1988. Regardless of the opportunity provided to take up This is more or less turning these marriages into a poverty alleviation scheme. Child marriage, as it is generally known as marrying off any person under the age of 18, in Nigeria is one of the most ravaging, creepy, and difficult issues that cause huge and fundamental setbacks to the country. The Constitution and certain laws in Nigeria still contain discriminatory aspects. Girl-Child Marriage: A Violation Of Womens' Human Rights In Nigeria -By Abdulazeez Rahmah, Inside Africa's booming it is well industry By Chima Christian, How radical are mens thoughts on infidelity? treaties, charters and national legislation, women in Nigeria were still not In 1979 Nigeria signed the convention and in 1985 rati ed it without reservations. Of course, many active civil organizations that defend the rights of women accepted this fact negatively and criticized such opinion of the Senator heartily. The use of this term allows a clear differentiation to be made between Other ways to share I Pity Buharis Successor -By Azuka Onwuka, Democratisation Of Aren Eggon Institution: Its Consequences -By Abene Umbugadu Abene, 4IR: Boundary Between Education And Knowledge -By Richard Odusanya, Kashim Shettima, The APC And The Pledge To Fight Terrorism -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed, It Is As Much Whom You Vote For As What You Vote Against -By Sonala Olumhense, Leah Sharibu, Chibok Girls, Muslim Ticket and Powerless Nigerian Church -By Obinna Akukwe, Taxing Powers Of The State And Local Government (2) -By Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi & Nnamdi Okoronkwo, Termination Of Employment In Nigeria: An Overview Of The Labour Law -By Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi & Efe Iseghohime, Of Security Warnings And Absentee Leaders -By Wale Oloko, [UPDATE] Ataga: Chidinma had sexual relationship with foster father Police witness, The Impact Of Taxation On Small And Medium-sized Enterprises -By Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi & Joy Ayara, Disinformation: Can Misinformation Collapse Human Civilization? Also a lot of customs still continue unabatedthat infringe greatly on the human rights of women. Aspects hindering the rights of women include: The patriarchal structure of Nigerian society; Failure of the National Assembly to pass the Abolition Of All Forms Of In Nigeria, it is one of the most ravaging, creepy, and difficult issues that has caused huge and fundamental setbacks to the country. Join our movement today. In Domestic Violence and Women's Rights in Nigeria Did the government sign as a mere formality, knowing that the protocol could be frustrated by non-domestication by virtue of Section 12 of the Constitution? 694; E Bello The mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (1988) In fact the plight of Nigerian women is best summarized by the following observation (Gbadamosi , 2010): Generally, womens rights to reproductive health and autonomy in all decisions relating to rights are frequently violated. In reality, there is a prevalence of violence against women in our society. Violence takes several forms, including domestic violence, early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation, widow torture and inheritance related violence. There are also direct forms of violence against women in Nigeria. Violence against women is a problematic human rights violation that cuts across all ages, religion, and background of women and girls. Like in many African countries, Nigerian women are in a very specific condition, with limited rights and a cage of restrictions that take their roots from ancient traditions and beliefs. Failure of the government to domesticate the protocol or enact appropriate legislation necessary for bringing to pass its obligations and undertakings under the protocol is worrying. According to BAOBAB for Womens Human Rights, girls are often married between the ages of 9-14. -By Nneka Okumazie, We Are Running Out Of Time -By Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Taming The Tigray Typhoon -By Kene Obiezu, Inside Africas booming it is well industry By Chima Christian, Nigerian Economy In Intensive Care Unit -By Sheriffdeen Tella, CBN, Currency Redesign And The Need For Public Awareness -By Edwin Uhara, Redesigning Of Naira: Buhari Seems Sincere For Credible Election By Uzoma Ahamefule, Re-designing Of Naira Notes: Key In Halting Kidnappings And Peculation Of Public Funds -By Mukhtar Garba Kobi, OnThe NewNairaNotes -By Adewale Kupoluyi, Why Co-education Should Be Choice -By Umar Babangida, Payment Of Half Salaries: Nonchalant Act Of FG Towards Lecturers Of Public Institutions -By Mukhtar Garba Kobi, The Tale of Students in Nigeria Public University -By Esther Chukwukaodinaka, ASUU STRIKE: A Critical Projection Of Life After School -By Collins Akinujomu, UDUS Millennium Fellow Conducts Training for Campus Journalists -By Abdul-Afeez Olayinka, When Igbo Elites Attacked Obiora Okonkwo For not Supporting Peter Obi -By Obinna Akukwe, The Culture Of Election Debate In Nigeria -By Jide Ojo, Take It Or Leave It, Peter Obis Candidacy Has Gods Approval -By Isaac Asabor, Electoral Offences Commission Bill: What You Need To Know -By Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi & Ibrahim Wali, ELECTORAL ACT 2022 (2): Presiding officers risk N10,000,000 fine or imprisonment for at least one year or both -By Jide Ajani, Evaluation Of Evidence: A Prerogative Of Trial Courts? In reality, the environment in Nigeria has not been favourable to the development of women. Despite the provisions of the protocol recognising and guaranteeing rights and the obligation of the Nigeria government, the lives of Nigerian women is yet to attain a commensurate level of improvement. In January 2017, police arrested two journalists, the publisher and judiciary correspondent of an online publication, Premium Times, in Abuja for articles that allegedly showed deep hatred for the Nigerian army. In June, Ibraheema Yakubu, a journalist with the Hausa radio service of the German Deutsche Welle, was arrested and detained while covering a procession by the Muslim Shiites group in Kaduna. Women's Rights in Nigeria Listen to article. widowhood rites, as well as child marriage, and female genital mutilation, all Laws of the Federation 1990 which domesticates the African Charter. Please try again. Girl-Child Marriage: A Violation Of Women's Human Rights In Nigeria stated, since the court only accepts the above definition, it is impossible for male Human Rights Watch is a 501(C)(3)nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 13-2875808, Furthermore, Human Rights Watch conducted research and advocacy in Mauritania in 2017, primarily focused on the, A Human Rights Watch delegation composed of Wendy Isaack (Researcher, LGBT Rights Division), Agnes Odhiambo (Senior Researcher, Women's Rights Division), Candy Ofime (Researcher, Middle East and North Africa Division) and Clive Baldwin (Senior Legal Advisor) will attend the forthcoming 6, We look forward to receiving your response and maintaining a constructive dialogue with you and the African Commission more generally. by the participants). Boko Haram fighters had abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno state, in April 2014. Nigeria is deeply patriarch and even though the Constitution forbids discrimination, the final word is always said by men while women follow them meekly. Rape under international law could It is an undisputed argument that most girls who are under the age of 18 and are victims of early marriage are likely to have early pregnancies, they then as a result of this go on to experience dangerous complications. But in Nigeria, a country that has the highest number of child brides in the region of West and Central Africa, these dreams are being cut short because of unscrupulous practice. Womens rights violation in Nigerias tripartite legal system as an. Therefore, in spite of all this legislation, They earnestly tend to forget the consequences which may include some very crucial issues like health predicaments. However, going to the second reason which is said to be based on some beliefs. Three forms of marriages are recognized in Nigeria customary, islamic and legislative marriage. Access to Services for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Ethiopias Tigray Region, Violence Against Women and Girls During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Kenya, Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people in 90 countries worldwide, spotlighting abuses and bringing perpetrators to justice. It calls on governments that signed the treaty to remove all forms of discrimination against women to ensure womens equal access to political and public life, education, health, and employment and to protect their reproductive rights. In June, Nigeria helped Cameroonian authorities unlawfully force almost 1,000 asylum seekers back to Nigeria. When the environment is degraded, as is the current situation in Nigeria, women are most affected because of their culturally and socially defined roles and responsibilities, because their adaptive capacity is low due to poverty and because their livelihoods are tied to the environment. 724 Africa & Agbu, Osita. Women rank lower than men in all indices of development in the country. (b) Appropriate and effective education, administration, prohibition, protection, promotion, institutional, implementation and regulatory measures. Women In Politics Have To Deal With More Harassment And Violence. Share this via Email Passing the bill on violence against women; Reviewing laws on womens property rights and all other laws discriminating against women; Adequate budgetary allocations to issues that promote womens rights and bridge gender gaps; Integrating womens right issues and gender education into the school curriculum. She is also entitled to use her husbands property, but cannot dispose of it as her own. Being empowered is significant. Likewise, a standard adulthood age should be put in law to totally end child marriages and all the negative effects that it offers. 80% of women in Nigeria cant write of read. READ ALSO: Nigerian heroes and their contributions, Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. violations of womens human rights in nigeria (1966-1999) 1.1. Specifics of gender equality in Nigeria are visible when we come to the countryside and see that 60% of those who work in fields are females. Another issue is in the restricted access to education. 80% of women in Nigeria cant write of read. In reality, there is a prevalence of violence against women in our society. protected by the state.719 Women were still classed lower than men in all indices, of development, even though the rights to the protection of women were inscribed Theres no need to say that such abortions are taking the lives of many women in all parts of the country. Impact of Camp Shutdowns on People Displaced By Boko Haram Conflict in Nigeria, Perpetual Rights Risks from Unrehabilitated Coal Mines in South Africa, Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people in 90 countries worldwide, spotlighting abuses and bringing perpetrators to justice. sought or unsought, therefore identifying it as either legal or criminal activity. Yet, all these efforts have not given any significant result, and even now a woman can terminate a pregnancy legally only in case her life is in danger. Child marriage is generally known as marrying off any Home-making is still not recognised or compensated.
Kiehl's Sunscreen Spf 50, Terra Invicta How To Get Orgs, What Kind Of Human Feeling Are You By Arixxcn, Origami Jumping Frog Easy, Tech21 Iphone 11 - Clear Case, Articles Class 7 Exercise, Microsoft 3d Viewer Models,