Stakeholders push for passage of human rights defenders bill

Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA), the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Accountability Lab have endorsed the proposed Human Rights Defenders Bill (HB 1867), describing it as timely and necessary. The organisations made their position known on Wednesday at the National Assembly, during a public hearing on the Human Rights Defenders Bill (HB […]

Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA), the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Accountability Lab have endorsed the proposed Human Rights Defenders Bill (HB 1867), describing it as timely and necessary.

The organisations made their position known on Wednesday at the National Assembly, during a public hearing on the Human Rights Defenders Bill (HB 1867) and the National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 (HB 2376), organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights.

In a joint memorandum presented at the hearing, the groups described the bill as the first comprehensive legislative effort in Nigeria specifically designed to protect human rights defenders (HRDs).

The memorandum, jointly signed by the three organisations and read by the Executive Director and Founder of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Oluwafunke Adeoye, commended the committee for convening a technical review session in December 2025.

They described the session as evidence of a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s protection framework for HRDs.
While expressing strong support for the bill, the groups highlighted concerns raised during deliberations on Section 3, particularly regarding perceived operational burdens on state institutions and questions about implementation feasibility.

To address these concerns, they recommended that Section 21(2) be formally cross-referenced within Section 3 to reinforce internal coherence and clarify that the obligations outlined are neither standalone nor excessive.

According to the memorandum, such a cross-reference would strengthen the structural consistency of the bill, clarify the legal foundation of Section 3 obligations and reduce interpretative ambiguity. They stressed that the recommendation does not alter the substance of the bill but serves as a technical refinement aimed at improving clarity and institutional buy-in.

The organisations also proposed the introduction of defined timelines in key sections of the bill, particularly Sections 28, 32 and 33, which deal with investigation, protection and assistance to HRDs.

In addition, the civil society organisations (CSOs) urged the committee to include an illustrative, though non-exhaustive, list of persons who qualify as human rights defenders, either within the definition section or as a schedule to the bill.

The suggested categories include human rights lawyers, investigative journalists, trade union leaders, student activists, digital rights advocates, whistleblowers, women’s rights advocates, environmental defenders, disability rights advocates, election observers, community organisers and traditional leaders resisting harmful practices.

The memorandum noted that such clarification would reinforce that protection under the bill is function-based rather than profession-based, extending coverage to individuals operating formally or informally across urban and rural settings, as well as in digital and physical spaces.

Describing the Human Rights Defenders Bill as a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s civic space, the groups said it aligns domestic protections with constitutional and international human rights standards. They urged the committee to adopt the proposed technical refinements to ensure broader legislative support and durable implementation.

Speaking with journalists at the event, Adeoye addressed concerns from some stakeholders who questioned the need for a new law, arguing that the 1999 Constitution and existing legislation already provide adequate protection.

She maintained, however, that the proposed bill offers clear strengths that justify its enactment.
According to her, the bill provides an exhaustive definition of who qualifies as a human rights defender, ensuring that “anybody and everybody” engaged in the protection of human rights is covered.

“It is not just about defining who a human rights defender is,” she said. “The bill clearly outlines the nature of protection to be provided, identifies responsible institutions and strengthens the role of the National Human Rights Commission in safeguarding defenders.”

Adeoye noted that over the years, many individuals functioning as human rights defenders have suffered violations without adequate legal protection. She cited journalists, whistleblowers, election observers, trade union workers and environmental rights advocates as examples of groups that often face risks despite their critical roles.

“When you look at it critically, these individuals are human rights defenders and ought to be protected. Yet, we do not currently have specific legislation that expressly safeguards them,” she said.

She added that the bill aligns with international best practices, noting that several countries have enacted specific laws to protect human rights defenders.
Adeoye emphasised that the proposed legislation is not limited to civil society organisations but extends to ordinary citizens, including market women, labour rights activists and community-based environmental defenders.

“I don’t think this is a bill that should scare anybody,” she said. “It is inclusive, exhaustive in its definition and designed to protect anyone who seeks to defend human rights. We strongly support its enactment.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who declared the public hearing open described the legislative exercise as a moral and constitutional duty aimed at strengthening the protection of fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.

“This hearing is not just a legislative ritual but a critical part of our constitutional duty,” he said. “It is especially crucial today because it focuses on protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of citizens, upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance.”

The first bill seeks to establish, recognise and protect human rights defenders while enhancing the capacity of the Federal Government to safeguard them. The second proposes to repeal the existing National Human Rights Commission Act and its 2010 amendment in order to enact a new law that would strengthen the Commission’s investigative powers, financial integrity and operational independence in line with the Paris Principles adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

The Human Rights Defenders Bill (HB 1867) is currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

The hearing brought together key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Space for Change, Lawyers Alert, the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA) , Tearfund, Partnership for Justice and Avocats Sans Frontières, among others, to provide inputs aimed at strengthening the proposed legislation in the interest of Nigeria’s civic and media space.