The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action for the unconditional release of all #EndBadGovernance protesters, including “hungry and malnourished children.”
SERAP is calling on the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, to investigate the human rights violations faced by these protesters in detention.
In an open letter dated November 2, 2024, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized the urgency of ensuring access to medical treatment for the detained protesters, particularly the 32 children whose health is reportedly deteriorating.
SERAP stated, “Bringing charges against children and detaining them simply for the peaceful exercise of their human rights is clearly not acting in the ‘best interests of the child.’”
SERAP highlighted the serious implications of detaining these children, noting that their rights to education are being infringed upon. The letter further condemned the apparent ill-treatment of the protesters, stating, “The apparent ill-treatment of the protesters including the 32 hungry and malnourished children have shined a light on the appalling conditions in Nigeria’s prisons which continue to put lives at risk.”
The organization reiterated its demand for justice, urging the government to take necessary measures within 48 days of receiving the letter. If the requests are ignored, SERAP warned it would consider appropriate legal actions to compel the government to comply.
The letter noted, “The conditions in which these children and other protesters are being detained are utterly inadequate and substantially below international standards,” emphasizing the urgent need for the government to uphold the rights of Nigerian children and ensure their protection in line with international obligations.
