Human Rights Group SERAP Pressures FG: Release Hungry Minors, Peaceful Protesters Or We’ll Act

Human Rights Group SERAP Pressures FG: Release Hungry Minors, Peaceful Protesters Or We’ll Act

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, calling for the immediate release of detained #EndBadGovernance protesters, including 32 children who are allegedly malnourished and held in poor conditions.……CONTINUE READING 

SERAP, a prominent human rights organization, has demanded that President Bola Tinubu act within 48 hours to ensure the freedom of these minors and other protestors detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. In an open letter,

SERAP urged the government to uphold the rights of these children and protesters, emphasizing that detaining individuals for their participation in nonviolent demonstrations is a violation of their fundamental freedoms. SERAP warns that if the demand is not met within the stated timeframe, it will consider legal action to compel the government to comply.

SERAP’s letter highlights concerns over the alleged treatment of the detained children, many of whom are reportedly in dire need of food and basic healthcare, with some even collapsing in court due to malnutrition. The group argues that the government’s actions amount to the “weaponization” of the justice system against its own citizens, using detention as a means to stifle the right to protest and suppress public dissent. By taking this firm stance, SERAP aims to hold the government accountable to both national and international human rights standards, asserting that the welfare of children and the right to peaceful protest must be protected under the rule of law.

SERAP’s letter emphasized the importance of children’s right to freely express their views on issues that affect them, calling on the government to uphold Nigerian children’s rights to life, education, and dignity.

The letter read in part:

“The ongoing arbitrary detention of the protesters creates an atmosphere of fear, discouraging other citizens from freely exercising their human rights, and leading to a broader chilling effect.”

“If no action is taken within 48 hours of receipt, SERAP will consider legal measures to compel compliance with our request in the public interest.”