Human rights in Nigeria
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Nigeria's human rights record remains poor and government officials at all levels continue to commit serious abuses.[1]
According to the U.S. Department of State,[1] the most significant human rights problems are: extrajudicial killings and use of excessive force by security forces; impunity for abuses by security forces; arbitrary arrests; prolonged pretrial detention; judicial corruption and executive influence on the judiciary; rape, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners, detainees and suspects; harsh and life‑threatening prison and detention center conditions; human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution and forced labor; societal violence and vigilante killings; child labor, child abuse and child sexual exploitation; female genital mutilation (FGM); domestic violence; discrimination based on sex, ethnicity, region and religion; restrictions on freedom of assembly, movement, press, speech and religion; infringement of privacy rights; and the abridgement of the right of citizens to change the government.
Twelve northern states have adopted the Shari'a penal code: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara. The Shari'a penal code only applies to Muslims.[2] It provides harsh sentences for alcohol consumption, infidelity and theft, including amputation, lashing, stoning and long prison terms.[2] Homosexuality can be punished by lashing or stoning, depending on which provinces they are in.[2]
Christian pastors in Nigeria have been accused of involvement in the torturing and killing of children accused of witchcraft.[3] Over the past decade, over 1000 children have been murdered as "witches".[4] Church pastors, in an effort to distinguish themselves from the competition, have been accused of decrying witchcraft in an effort to establish their "credientials".[4]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b "2008 Human Rights Report: Nigeria". 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. United States, Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. 2009-02-25. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119018.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
- ^ a b c "Sub Saharan Africa, Nigeria". Travel advice by country. United Kingdom, Foreign & Commonwealth Office. 2009-03-20. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/nigeria?ta=lawsCustoms&pg=3. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
- ^ Church burns 'witchcraft' children
- ^ a b Church Burns 'witchcraft' children
[edit] External links
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