NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2010
Act · Human Rights
Policy date: 2010-01-01
An Act strengthens the National Human Rights Commission's powers to investigate and address human rights violations effectively. It targets the Commission, individuals affected by violations, and government agencies. This enhances Nigeria's human rights protections and ensures better enforcement.
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2010
What Is This Policy?
An amendment Act that strengthened the powers, independence, and mandate of the National Human Rights Commission, granting it authority to access courts and investigate human rights violations with greater efficacy.
Who Does It Target?
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Persons whose human rights have been violated Government agencies and security forces as duty-bearers Civil society organisations partnering with NHRC
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Strengthen Nigeria's human rights institution to meet the Paris Principles for national human rights institutions, enabling more effective investigation and remediation of violations.
Key Features
Enhanced Powers: Grants NHRC the power to access courts directly to seek remedies for human rights violations. Paris Principles Compliance: Amendments align NHRC with international Paris Principles for national human rights institutions. Broader Mandate: Extends NHRC's mandate to include monitoring detention facilities, places of custody, and human rights observance in conflict situations. Independence: Strengthens institutional safeguards for NHRC's independence from government interference.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: Victims of human rights violations; civil society Funding: Federal Government appropriations
How to Access
File complaints with NHRC at headquarters or any zonal office NHRC may initiate suo motu investigations without a complaint Free of charge for complainants Application method: File complaints at https://www.nhrc.gov.ng or at any NHRC zonal office.
Important Terms
Amendment gives NHRC Paris Principles A status enabling greater international engagement NHRC recommendations are not legally binding but carry significant moral authority NHRC may refer matters to prosecution authorities
Official Resources
Website: https://www.nhrc.gov.ng Contact: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Legal Framework
The National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act 2010 amends the National Human Rights Commission Act 1995. The Commission is mandated by Sections 153 and the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. The Act aligns with the UN Paris Principles on National Human Rights Institutions, the Accra Declaration of National Human Rights Institutions, and Nigeria's treaty obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and major UN human rights conventions.