(a) What are human rights? (b) Outline six ways Nigerian government facilitates adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Answer Details

(a) Meaning of human rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every human being from birth, irrespective of race, sex, religion, tribe or social status. They cannot be taken away arbitrarily and include the right to life, dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, freedom of expression and freedom of movement.

(b) Six ways the Nigerian government facilitates adherence to the UDHR

1. Entrenching human rights in the constitution: Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of citizens.
2. Establishing the National Human Rights Commission: This body investigates and addresses cases of human rights abuse.
3. Providing an independent judiciary: The courts protect citizens' rights and give redress to those whose rights are violated.
4. Signing and ratifying international human rights treaties: Nigeria domesticates conventions such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
5. Public enlightenment and civic education: Government educates citizens on their rights and how to protect them.
6. Enacting laws and providing legal aid: Government makes laws against abuses and provides legal aid so that the poor can seek justice.