From September 8–19, Nigeria will host the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) for an inspection of detention practices and the nation’s ability to uphold human rights. The delegation will interact with Nigerian authorities to discuss methods and measures for preventing torture while touring prisons, police stations, and mental health facilities. Since its first visit 10 years ago, the goal of the second tour is to increase the nation’s ability to defend the human rights of all those who have been deprived of their freedom.
The SPT will also engage with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and other stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives on the state of detention practices in Nigeria. This collaborative approach aims to provide a comprehensive assessment and recommendations for improvement in line with international standards.
The delegation head, Aisha Shujune Muhammad, stated, “The SPT’s visit presents Nigeria with an opportunity to advance its commitment to torture prevention and to strengthen safeguards in detention places.” In accordance with Nigeria’s 2009 ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, it is also an opportunity to assist the authorities in establishing a National Mechanism for Prevention of Torture (NPM), she continued.
The SPT will deliver its private initial findings to the Nigerian government at the conclusion of the visit. The Nigerian authorities will get a private report outlining the SPT’s concerns and suggestions after the visit.
Along with two Human Rights Officers from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the SPT delegation will be led by Aisha Shujune MUHAMMAD (Maldives), Andrew Christoffel NISSEN (South Africa), Victor ZAHARIA (Moldova), and Satyabhooshun Gupt DOMAH (Mauritius).
