An Evaluation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' Significance and Application in Nigeria

Abstract

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote and protect human rights globally, following the atrocities of the Second World War. Nigeria, along with other States, adopted the Declaration and incorporated fundamental rights into domestic laws and the constitution. Successive Nigerian constitutions have provided for the rights to life, liberty, fair hearing, dignity, peaceful assembly, association, and freedom of expression, thought, conscience, religion, and movement, among others. To strengthen its human rights regime, Nigeria has ratified several international human rights treaties and established institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Courts to ensure the implementation and enforcement of these rights. Despite these measures, implementation and enforcement have remained a critical issue. Violation of fundamental rights by state and non-state actors to varying degrees has persisted. This work assesses the impact of the UDHR and the extent of its application in Nigeria. Though Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy that professes the rule of law, separation of powers, and respect for human rights, in practice, these principles are undermined by arbitrariness, impunity, corruption, excessive use of force by security personnel, disrespect for court orders, abuse of civil and politics rights, extrajudicial execution, and lack of accountability. The paper recommends reforms in the judiciary to guarantee its impartiality and independence. It also suggests reforms in the security sector to end impunity and ensure accountability. In addition, human rights awareness campaigns, advocacy, and education would suffice to curb violations.