Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar says the nation remained steadfastly committed to multilateralism and the universality of human rights.
Tuggar stated this at the High-level Segment of the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
He said, “Nigeria remains steadfastly committed to multilateralism and the universality of human rights. Our conviction is guided by the principles of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Domestically, these fundamental rights and freedoms are guaranteed under Chapter IV of our Constitution.
“Accordingly, we believe in the capacity of this Council as an indispensable platform for dialogue, prevention, and cooperation. As such, Nigeria reaffirms its full cooperation with the Council’s mechanisms as vital instruments for global promotion and protection of human rights”.
The Minister noted that we live in an era where international peace and security were under siege, threatening the hard-won gains of democracy. These threats, he added, were not peculiar to any single State or region, they were a global crisis demanding collective resolve.
“While no nation is immune, Nigeria’s experiences have only deepened our resolve to protect the right to life and the security of all citizens, especially our children, whose right to learn in safety is a sacred priority. To this end, we have accelerated the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools, providing critical investments to secure learning environments”, he said.
According to Tuggar, Nigeria is also strengthening accountability, including through ongoing reforms, regional and international cooperation, to ensure that international human rights and humanitarian standards are mainstreamed into all internal security operations, with the primary focus of protecting civilians.
He added that Nigeria remained resolute in its commitment to Freedom of Religion or Belief. “We view the peaceful coexistence of all faith communities as the essential foundation of our national unity. Nigeria remains resolute in ensuring a society where every citizen, regardless of creed or tribe, stands protected under the shield of justice!”, he said.
“Nigeria recalls the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which affirms that the right to development and all human rights are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing. Accordingly, we recognize the primary responsibility of States to foster an environment conducive to development.
“In this spirit, and under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria has undertaken bold economic and fiscal reforms aimed at stabilizing our economy and enhancing transparency in our financial systems. These measures are designed to expand our National Social Investment Programmes, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach those who need them most”, he added.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that Nigeria’s priorities were firmly focused on poverty reduction, food security, and creating opportunities for her youth. “We are also leveraging our vibrant digital economy to ensure that technological advancement serves as a catalyst for youth empowerment and the realization of economic rights. Through robust social protection, we seek to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to realize their full potential. Ultimately, we know that inclusive development is our most powerful tool for preventing conflict and reinforcing democratic resilience”, he said.
According to Tuggar, Nigeria knows first-hand that the exercise of human rights today was inseparable from environmental protection. “Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, threatening the rights to food, water, health and livelihoods. Through climate adaptation strategies, Nigeria remains committed to advancing climate action anchored in human rights and sustainable development for future generations.
“Finally, as Nigeria presents its candidature for membership of the Human Rights Council for the 2027 to 2029 term, we do so with sincerity, determination, and a keen understanding of the responsibilities such membership entails, and a firm commitment to constructive engagement.
“We believe that Council membership is a profound responsibility to uphold universal values, promote prevention, and contribute to collective solutions that protect human dignity worldwide. Nigeria therefore stands ready to work with all partners to advance peace, justice, and sustainable development, in Africa and beyond”, he concluded.
