The Role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Post Conflict Situations in Nigeria

Abstract

The main thrust of this paper is to examine the role of the National Human Rights Commission in post conflict situations in Nigeria. Given the series of conflicts and security challenges across the country, there is no doubt that with conflict underway, serious human rights violations will be recorded. And for there to be meaningful restoration of peace, issues of human rights must be addressed. Thus, the National Human Rights Commission established by the government in 1995 has the mandate of handling issues of human rights in areas where conflict has been experienced. However, it is pertinent to note that the mandates of the NHRC in post conflict situations differ from during times of peace as well as the challenges the face. Data from both primary and secondary sources reveal that the role of the Commission’s in post conflict situations includes investigation of post conflict complaints, encouraging human-rights negotiations with conflict parties; obtaining justice and reparation for victims, monitoring and evaluating governments’ post conflict policies inter alia. Though challenged by inadequate funding, lack of unskilled staff, lack of autonomy, the paper emphasizes that the NRHC is well-positioned to do significant and important work in post conflict situations.

Key words: NHRC, Human Rights, Conflict, Post Conflict Situation, Nigeria