THE TANDEM PROJECT
UNITED NATIONS, HUMAN RIGHTS,
FREEDOM OF RELIGION OR BELIEF
Separation of Religion or Belief and State
NIGERIA
Fourth Session U.N. Human Rights Council Universal
Periodic Review (2-13 February, 2009)
THE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW
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The
Universal Periodic Review of Nigeria was held from 2:30 –5:30 on Monday 9
February 2009 on the Live OHCHR Web cast. . Click on the links below to access
reports for the Nigeria Universal Periodic Review: National Report;
Compilation prepared by OHCHR; Summary prepared by OHCHR; Interactive Dialogue;
Comments & Answers; Final Remarks.
Live
HRC Web Cast: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/PAGES/NGSession4.aspx
http://www.un.org/webcast/unhrc/archive.asp?go=090209
The
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process launched by the UN Human
Rights Council in 2008 to review the human rights obligations and
responsibilities of all UN Member States by 2011. Click for an
Introduction to the Universal Periodic Review, Process and News:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/BasicFacts.aspx
The
1981 UN Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of
Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief http://www.tandemproject.com/program/81_dec.htm.
Human rights are individual rights and universal.
Organizations do not have the rights of persons. But they have
responsibilities, limited rights and some receive government benefits such as
exemption from taxation. The definition of organization for this Universal
Periodic Review is based on Article 2 of the 1981 UN Declaration; No one
shall be subject to discrimination by any State, institution, group of persons
or person on the grounds of religion or other beliefs.
For
UN Member States with ideological differences on defamation of religion and the
right to change a religion or belief, it is important to continue the
dialogue to “overcome the gaps in perceptions, concepts and ideas” and
achieve consensus between deeply-held religious beliefs and the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights: Vote
on Defamation of Religions
Excerpts: The
Nigeria National Report documented preparation for their Universal Periodic
Review this way: “A broad-based National Committee was tasked with the
responsibility of compiling Nigeria’s Universal Periodic Review national
report. The preparations for this vital assignment began in earnest when the
Minister of Foreign Affairs inaugurated the Committee in Abuja on 16 September
2008. The Committee comprised Ministries, Government departments, agencies,
Members of the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, civil
society organizations, non-governmental organization, etc. To facilitate the
process of gathering information and opinion across the country, the Committee
engaged in a wide publicity in the print and electronic media. The national
report was finalized during a retreat, in accordance with the guidelines of the
Universal Periodic Review.”
Inter-Active
Dialogue with UN Member States included the following recommendations: Turkey,
Algeria and Chad welcomed the convening of a National Consultative Forum and
suggested it become an annual event. France congratulated Nigeria on the
creation of a National Inter-religious Council and Institute to promote
inter-religious, inter-communal understanding. The Holy See referred to
children stigmatized as “witches” or “wizards” and commended Nigeria for the
recent law to end this practice – recommending Nigeria apply this law
vigorously.
Nigeria
has experienced outbreaks of inter-religious, inter-ethnic conflict in recent
years the most recent a mid-January clash in the city of Jos that left more
than 300 dead and thousands displaced according to the police. Nigeria has been
placed on a terrorist watch list by the U.S. since a failed attack in Detroit
on a U.S. plane. Nigerians describe it “as unfair as Nigeria’s sects mainly
target their own” according to an Economist article.
The
Tandem Project will ask for exchange information with the government of Nigeria
on how respectful dialogue can be held among Nigeria religions or beliefs with
ideological differences on defamation of religion and the right to change a
religion or belief. Nigeria is a Member State of the OIC.
The
Tandem Project recognizes the challenges facing Nigeria to harmonize the views
of a large multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious state; and supports
a National Inter-religious Council and Institute to promote inter-religious,
inter-communal understanding at local levels.
Attachments:
Nigeria – Universal Periodic
Review & Freedom of Religion or Belief; Deadly Nigeria Clashes Subside; Vote on Defamation of Religions.