Nigeria has re-echoed its commitment to the promotion of human rights in the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Olusola Enikanolaye, who said this at the 4th Session of the Nigerian-European Union Human Rights Dialogue, in Abuja at the weekend, said the promotion of human rights was the guiding principle of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
According to him, “in our diplomatic pursuit, the promotion of human rights and democracy are the foremost guiding principles of Nigeria’s foreign policy delivery since Independence.”
He said: “To reiterate the potential promotion of human right is a constitutional imperative to our country Nigeria, which is imbedded in our culture and has become a critical element of good governance in this country.”
“Nigeria is therefore open to discussions on human right issues as we are committed to global best practices in this field. Indeed, and as I said, the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the fundamental human right of every Nigerian to life, dignity of human person, education, expression and freedom from all forms of discrimination.”
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is towing the country along the part of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human right and creation of opportunity for our citizens to actualise their full potentials and enjoy the security guard and economy prosperity. It is in this regard that we are promoting the domestication and implementation of international conventions already ratified by the Federal Government in the important realm of human right and good governance. However, the government of Nigeria acknowledges that the part to do so borders on cultural sensitivity and practices,” he said.
According to him, as an active and responsible member of the United Nations, we are called and conscious of our own obligations; Nigeria has gratified and also identified and will continue to implement all relevant informational estimate and conviction and human right in constitutional law including the 1914 Universal Declaration of Human Right in 45 UN Chapter, as well as other international instruments in this area.
Commenting on Nigeria-EU dialogue, he said: “This dialogue helps in identifying a number of issues towards enhancing democracy and good governance. Nigeria’s membership of the EU has undoubtedly stood the test of time. The dialogue therefore serves as an enduring cooperation mechanism to deepen and share commitment to foster human rights, fundamental freedom democracy and good governance in our country.”
He also acknowledged that this dialogue represents an added value in achieving mutual understanding and identifies priorities for Nigeria, as well as the European Union.
