Amnesty Empowers 30 Cross River Youths With Human Rights Defence Training

Amnesty International Nigeria has trained 30 young human rights defenders in Cross River State as part of efforts to strengthen civic space protection and deepen awareness of human rights at the grassroots level.

According to Ireporter Online, the organisation said the initiative is designed to build a network of trained advocates equipped to document human rights violations, promote accountability, and engage relevant authorities in addressing abuses within their communities.

The two-day intensive training, held in Calabar, was implemented under the project titled “Strengthening Human Rights Defenders to Protect Civic Space,” with support from the German Embassy Fund.

Speaking during the programme on Saturday, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Programmes Manager, Barbara Magaji, explained that the training targeted young volunteers and social media influencers to enhance their ability to identify, document, and respond to human rights violations in their communities.

She noted that participants were selected from Amnesty volunteers and micro-influencers capable of reaching wider audiences both offline and through digital platforms.

Magaji stressed that human rights violations often occur at the community level, adding that effective responses require awareness and action beyond state capitals. She expressed confidence that the trained defenders would help amplify awareness, support affected communities, and hold institutions accountable.

She further disclosed that the Cross River training is part of a broader pilot project also being implemented in Kano and Bauchi States, with participants previously exposed to virtual learning sessions before the physical workshop.

According to her, the programme will enable beneficiaries to carry out advocacy campaigns on issues such as freedom of expression, the right to life, access to healthcare, and other socio-economic rights.

Magaji also referenced past collaborations with volunteers in Cross River, particularly on campaigns against mob violence and witchcraft-related killings, expressing optimism about the impact of the newly trained cohort.

One of the facilitators, Folahan Johnson, emphasized the importance of credible data in human rights documentation, noting that effective advocacy depends on accurate and verifiable evidence.

He argued that policy reforms and interventions are only possible when violations are properly documented using reliable data sources such as eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, and corroborating reports.

Johnson also lamented Nigeria’s weak data culture, stressing that poor data collection practices continue to hinder development planning and security responses.

Amnesty International stated that participants are expected to return to their communities to implement advocacy projects, mobilize citizens, and promote civic engagement on human rights issues.

The organisation added that the programme aims to strengthen the capacity of young defenders to ethically document violations, manage security risks, and contribute meaningfully to human rights advocacy across Nigeria.