Nigerians in the Americas condemn violation of the rights of detained minors

Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas (NIDOA) has commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent release of some minors who had been detained for courageously exercising “their democratic rights in seeking accountability and positive change for the country,” noting that though the release of these children by the Nigerian government was tardy, it is still welcome and should be viewed as a move in the right direction.

NIDOA, which was reacting to the outrage that trailed the detention, arraignment and eventual release of the detained minors after global outcry, also called for a thorough investigation of recent reports of human rights violations involving detained minors in Nigeria, and for punitive action to be taken against all those found culpable.

The Organization, in a communique endorsed by Chika Emmanuel – NIDOA Brazil (BOD), Collins Ikegwuonu and Pastor Doyin – NIDOA USA (BOD) and Lilian Ali-Balogun – NIDOA Canada (BOD), titled “Urgent Call to Action: NIDOA Condemns Human Rights Violations Against Detained Minors in Nigeria,” expressed grave concern about the mistreatment of detained vulnerable children, and condemned the injustices being meted out to them in the strongest possible terms.

Citing credible reports, the Organization said that numerous minors in detention in Nigeria “face unacceptable conditions and are often deprived of access to legal counsel, adequate shelter, and healthcare,” insisting that there must be “a national effort to ensure no cases such as these linger within the system,” noting that “such conditions violate both Nigerian and international human rights standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which Nigeria is a signatory.”

NIDOA pointed out that the “treatment these children endure reflects a severe and ongoing humanitarian crisis that requires immediate action,” and offered to partner with government to work on the following measures:

1. Immediate investigation by relevant Nigerian authorities into the circumstances surrounding the detention and treatment of minors.
2. Legal representation and a fair trial for each detained child, ensuring compliance with Nigerian law and international standards.
3. Rehabilitation and support services for the minors and their families to address trauma and reintegrate them into society.

The Organization pledged to remain committed to promoting the image of Nigeria in the Americas while looking forward to a positive outlook of efforts from the country.

“We urge the international community, human rights organizations, and all concerned Nigerians, both in the diaspora and at home, to join us in advocating for these young lives. Together, we can send a powerful message that no child should suffer such violations, and we will not stand by while these injustices continue now or in the future,” NIDOA stressed.

It also solicited collaboration towards amplification of their call to action within all networks by people contacting local representatives, lawmakers, relevant professionals and international organizations to demand urgent action.

“Let us stand together to protect the rights of these children and ensure their active participation in building a united and prosperous Nigeria,” the Organization concluded.