The Right to Peaceful Protest: A Pillar of Democratic Governance as Constitutionally Guaranteed

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29 July 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Right to Peaceful Protest: A Pillar of Democratic

Governance as Constitutionally Guaranteed

Abuja, Nigeria:

In light of recent events and ongoing discussions

surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction

with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society

organisations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to

peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. This

right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for

citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and

advocate for change.

Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international

human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the

African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999

Constitution (as amended), among others. It allows citizens to publicly

voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in

the democratic process.

Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and

ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.

History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in

government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of

collective action to address grievances and promote good governance.

While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations,

we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly

without violating the rights of others. Accordingly, we urge all parties

engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement

agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a

duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order.

Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause

unrest or threaten public safety.

Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use

of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.

Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is

the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and

arrest them immediately. Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of

understanding of the enemies of the state.

We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission

(NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to

promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these

protests.

The demands include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing

the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional

reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy

democracy.

We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights

and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful

protest.

We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and

accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of

democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Signed:

1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative

2. Accountability Lab Nigeria

3. Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) Uganda

4. BudgIT Foundation

5. Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID)

6. Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD)

7. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)

8. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)

9. Dataphyte Foundation

10. DigiCivic Initiative

11. Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria

12. Farnnel Women Foundation

13. Gee Foundation for Social Justice and Development

14. Global Rights

15. Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI)

16. HIFWAC Relief

17. Hope Behind Bars Africa

18. Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation ( ISDF)

19. International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC)

20. International Press Centre (IPC)

21. Invictus Africa

22. Kilimanjaro Youth Foundation

23. Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

24. Mothers United and Mobilised

25. Nigeria Network of NGOs

26. Paradigm Initiative (PIN)

27. Policy Alert

28. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)

29. Research Centre for Development Action

30. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)

31. Sesor Empowerment Foundation

32. TechHer NG

33. The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation

34. We the People

35. WikkiTimes

36. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)

37. Yiaga Africa

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