Nigeria-Adamawa: To promote humane treatment and dignity for inmates in detention facilities in Adamawa State, civil society organizations, including the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation, the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN), and Hoina Charity Support Foundation (HCSF), are partnering with security stakeholders to address concerns about the treatment of detainees, ensuring they are handled with care, concern, and dignity while serving their term.
According to an official statement by the Coordinator of the International Human Rights Commission Special Monitoring Mission in Adamawa State, Mustapha Tukur stated that the initiative aimed to monitor detention facilities in Adamawa State, ensuring compliance with international human rights standards, promoting humane treatment and dignity for inmates, building the capacity of detention facility staff and stakeholders on human rights, and providing support and advocacy for inmates and their families.
He revealed that upon completion of the project in April 2027, inmates in detention facilities would experience improved living conditions and treatment, while detention facility staff and stakeholders would exhibit enhanced awareness and understanding of human rights, alongside strengthened capacity to promote humane treatment and dignity.
It is worth noting that in recent months, the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission in Adamawa State has toured various detention facilities, revealing that some lack humane conditions, especially the Police cells and other National Correctional Service facilities in the state.
As a further development, a one-day round-table meeting was convened at the Federal Secretariat Complex Hall in Yola to unveil joint strategic planning, bringing together security stakeholders from the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Nigeria Police, DSS, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and National Human Rights Commission.
Additional stakeholders comprised the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, Adamawa State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Ministry of Justice, FIDA, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the News Agency of Nigeria.
The high-level delegation meeting yielded a synergy between civil society groups, stakeholders, and Judges at Lower and Upper Courts, aimed at better mainstreaming the coordinated operational background of the team and various relevant government agencies.
A joint statement by the civil society groups urged authorities to adhere to Mandela Rules, officially known as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, a set of guidelines adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
Adding, “The Mandela Rules are a significant step towards promoting humane treatment and protecting the rights of prisoners worldwide. They provide a framework for governments to improve prison conditions and ensure that prisoners are treated with dignity and respect”.
Reacting to the Initiative, the Ambassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission; H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, and National Coordinator for the Special Monitoring Mission, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu both of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation in Nigeria, applauded the initiative and assured participants of the Commission’s complete support.
Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria
