06/06/2026
UNDERSTANDING HUMAN RIGHTS AS A FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY
By: Barrister Sulaymon A. Tadese
Director General, THURIST-Nigeria
Presented at the Human Rights Awareness Seminar
Ilesha Central Mosque
Saturday, 6th June 2026
PROTOCOL
The Chief Imam and other respected Imams present, distinguished Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of government and security agencies, members of civil society organizations, youths, women leaders, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen.
I am deeply honoured to address this gathering on the important topic:
“Understanding Human Rights as a Foundation for Community Safety.”
INTRODUCTION
Human rights are not foreign concepts imposed upon our society. They are universal principles rooted in human dignity, justice, fairness, and respect for life. These values are recognized by religion, morality, customary norms, and the law.
No society can enjoy lasting peace where human rights are routinely violated. Likewise, insecurity, violence, kidnapping, terrorism, domestic abuse, communal clashes, and oppression often flourish where justice is absent and human dignity is disregarded.
Community safety therefore begins with respect for the rights and dignity of every human being.
The Holy Qur'an recognizes the sanctity of human life when Allah says:
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption done in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely; and whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”
Qur'an 5:32
مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا
This divine principle is consistent with modern human rights law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS?
Human rights are fundamental freedoms and protections that belong to every person simply because they are human beings.
These rights are:
1. Universal
2. Inalienable
3. Indivisible
4. Equal
5. Legally enforceable
In Nigeria, human rights are principally guaranteed under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
These rights include:
1. Right to Life
2. Right to Dignity of Human Person
3. Right to Personal Liberty
4. Right to Fair Hearing
5. Right to Private and Family Life
6. Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion
7. Freedom of Expression
8. Freedom of Movement
9. Freedom from Discrimination
10. Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK
Nigeria is not only bound by its Constitution but also by several international human rights instruments, including:
1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
2. African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
3. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
4. Convention on the Rights of the Child
5. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights has been domesticated in Nigeria and forms part of Nigerian law.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND COMMUNITY SAFETY
Community safety refers to a condition where individuals can live, work, worship, and raise their families without fear of violence, crime, oppression, or insecurity.
Human rights and community safety are closely connected because:
1. Justice reduces violence.
2. Respect for rights builds social trust.
3. Equal treatment discourages extremism.
4. Access to justice reduces self-help.
5. Accountability promotes peace.
6. Respect for diversity encourages coexistence.
A society that protects rights creates stability; a society that violates rights creates conflict.
THE RULE OF LAW AS A FOUNDATION FOR SECURITY
The Rule of Law means that every person, including government officials, security agencies, and citizens, is subject to the law.
No person is above the law.
When the Rule of Law prevails:
1. Citizens trust institutions.
2. Conflicts are resolved peacefully.
3. Crime is effectively prosecuted.
4. Abuse of power is minimized.
Without the Rule of Law, injustice and insecurity become inevitable.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA
1. Right to Life
Section 33 of the Constitution guarantees every person's right to life.
Unlawful killings by terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers, vigilantes, mobs, or state actors violate this sacred right.
Life can only be deprived in circumstances permitted by law.
2. Right to Dignity of Human Person
Section 34 prohibits:
1. Torture
2. Inhuman treatment
3. Degrading treatment
4. Slavery
5. Forced Labour
Police brutality, jungle justice, and torture of suspects violate this constitutional protection.
The End SARS movement highlighted public concerns regarding abuse of power and unlawful treatment of citizens.
3. Right to Personal Liberty
Section 35 protects individuals against unlawful arrest and detention.
Security agencies must perform their duties within constitutional limits.
In Lufadeju v. Johnson (2007) 8 NWLR (Pt. 1037) 535, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the importance of personal liberty as a fundamental constitutional right.
4. Right to Fair Hearing
Section 36 guarantees every person the right to fair hearing before any determination affecting his civil rights or criminal liability.
Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
5. Freedom of Religion
Section 38 guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Nigeria's diversity should be a source of strength rather than conflict.
Religious tolerance is indispensable for community peace.
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AS CAUSES OF INSECURITY
Many security challenges are linked to persistent violations of rights.
Examples include:
1. Poverty and social exclusion
2. Corruption
3. Political marginalization
4. Police brutality
5. Unemployment
6. Religious intolerance
7. Ethnic discrimination
8. Lack of access to justice
Where citizens lose faith in justice, frustration may lead to violence and criminality.
As Martin Luther King Jr. stated:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution provides:
“The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Government must therefore:
1. Protect lives and property.
2. Strengthen security institutions.
3. Provide access to justice.
4. Fight corruption.
5. Respect constitutional rights.
6. Create employment opportunities.
7. Protect vulnerable groups.
Security operations must always comply with constitutional and human rights standards.
ROLE OF SECURITY AGENCIES
Security agencies must:
1. Protect citizens.
2. Respect human rights.
3. Avoid torture and unlawful killings.
4. Conduct lawful investigations.
5. Build public trust.
6. Act professionally and ethically.
In Fawehinmi v. Abacha (2000) 6 NWLR (Pt. 660) 228, the court emphasized the supremacy of constitutional rights and the Rule of Law.
Respect for rights improves intelligence gathering and public cooperation.
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) AND COMMUNITY PEACE
Many community conflicts can be resolved without violence through:
• Mediation
• Arbitration
• Conciliation
• Community peace committees
ADR promotes reconciliation and prevents minor disputes from escalating into serious security threats.
ROLE OF RELIGIOUS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
Religious and traditional leaders should:
1. Promote tolerance.
2. Condemn violence.
3. Encourage peaceful coexistence.
4. Protect women and children.
5. Educate citizens on lawful conduct.
6. Support peaceful dispute resolution.
Mosques, churches, schools, and traditional institutions remain powerful tools for promoting peace.
ROLE OF YOUTHS
Young people must reject:
1. Cultism
2. Drug abuse
3. Internet fraud
4. Political thuggery
5. Hate speech
6. Religious extremism
7. Violence
Instead, they should embrace:
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Civic responsibility
• Innovation
• Peacebuilding
• Respect for law
Nigeria's future security depends significantly on its youth population.
WOMEN, CHILDREN AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Women and children often suffer most during insecurity and conflict.
Their rights must be protected against:
1. Domestic violence
2. Child abuse
3. Human trafficking
4. Sexual violence
5. Forced marriage
6. Exploitation
The Child Rights Act 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 provide legal safeguards for vulnerable persons.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Rights come with responsibilities.
Every citizen has a duty to:
1. Respect the rights of others.
2. Obey lawful authority.
3. Protect public property.
4. Report criminal activities.
5. Promote peace.
6. Contribute positively to society.
Responsible exercise of rights strengthens community safety.
HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION AS A TOOL FOR PEACE
Human rights education promotes:
1. Peace
2. Justice
3. Tolerance
4. Equality
5. National unity
6. Civic responsibility
Human rights awareness should be encouraged in:
1. Schools
2. Mosques
3. Churches
4. Community centres
5. Media organizations
6. Youth associations
An informed citizen is less likely to violate the rights of others.
CONCLUSION
Human rights and community safety are inseparable pillars of a civilized society.
Where justice exists, peace flourishes.
Where dignity is respected, violence decreases.
Where equality before the law is guaranteed, communities become stronger and safer.
Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity through force alone. Sustainable security can only be achieved through justice, accountability, fairness, inclusion, and respect for human dignity.
The responsibility for protecting human rights belongs to all of us—government, security agencies, religious leaders, traditional rulers, parents, teachers, civil society organizations, and citizens.
Let us therefore commit ourselves to becoming ambassadors of peace, defenders of justice, and protectors of human dignity.
Together, we can build communities where rights are respected, security is strengthened, and peace is sustained for future generations.
FINAL WORD
“A society becomes truly secure not when weapons increase, but when justice prevails, rights are protected, and human dignity is respected.”
— Barrister Sulaymon A. Tadese
Thank you for your attention.
May Allah continue to bless our communities with peace, justice, unity, and security.
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