Responsibility of Government in Maintaining Human Rights – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

The responsibility of government in maintaining human rights is its duty to protect the basic freedoms of every person in the country.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the responsibilities of government in maintaining human rights.
2. Explain how education and training help to protect human rights.
3. Name two agencies set up to defend human rights in Nigeria.
4. Explain why human rights defenders need protection.
5. Describe how the courts and the law help to punish violations.

What are human rights?

Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections that every person has because he or she is human.

• Source: Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution lists the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
• Owner: every person holds these rights, whether rich or poor, young or old.
• Limit: a person must use his or her rights without harming the rights of others.

Examples of rights protected in Nigeria

• Right to life: no one may be killed unlawfully.
• Right to dignity of the human person: no one may be tortured or treated in an inhuman way.
• Right to personal liberty: no one may be detained unlawfully.
• Right to fair hearing: every accused person must be heard in court.
• Right to freedom of expression: people may share ideas and opinions, including through the press.
• Right to freedom of movement: citizens may live and travel in any part of Nigeria.
• Right to freedom from discrimination: no one may be treated unfairly because of ethnic group, sex, religion or place of origin.

Key terms

• Human rights: basic freedoms every person is entitled to, such as life, fair hearing and freedom of expression.
• Violation: an act that breaks or denies a person’s right, such as unlawful detention.
• Human rights defender: a person or group that works to promote and protect the rights of others.
• Impartial: fair and not taking sides.
• Retaliation: punishing or harming someone for what he or she has said or done.
• Offender: a person who breaks the law or violates another person’s rights.
• Curriculum: the subjects and topics taught in schools.
• Redress: a remedy or compensation given to a person whose right has been violated.

What are the responsibilities of government in maintaining human rights?

Government has seven main responsibilities: investigating violations, education and training, protecting defenders, setting up agencies, receiving reports, punishing offenders, and making and enforcing laws.

1. Investigating cases of human rights violation

• Duty: the government must carry out an impartial investigation into every allegation of violation.
• Who helps: it works with independent groups and bodies, so that the result is fair and trusted.
• Example: a complaint of police brutality is looked into by a panel or by the National Human Rights Commission.

Steps in a fair investigation:

1. Receive the complaint from the victim or a group.
2. Collect evidence and statements.
3. Hear both sides.
4. Report the findings.
5. Act on the findings by prosecuting offenders and helping victims.

2. Education and training

• Training: the government organises workshops and seminars to teach citizens their rights.
• School curriculum: human rights are included in subjects such as Civic Education, so students learn them early.
• Public awareness: radio, television and posters tell people where to report abuses.
• Security agents: police and soldiers are trained to respect the rights of citizens.
• Result: people who know their rights can claim them and respect the rights of others.

3. Adequate protection of human rights defenders

• Violence: defenders must be protected from attack, kidnapping and threats.
• Retaliation: they must not be punished for exposing abuses.
• Discrimination: they must not be denied jobs, services or opportunities because of their work.
• Reason: if defenders are afraid, abuses go unreported and offenders go free.
• Examples of defenders: human rights lawyers, activists, civil society groups and journalists who report abuses.

4. Establishment of agencies

Government sets up agencies to defend human rights, and four of them are shown below.

5. Reporting violations

• Channels: the government should make it easy for individuals and groups to report anyone working against human rights.
• Groups: civil society groups and the media report abuses they find.
• Safety: people who report must be protected from harm.

6. Punishing offenders

• Courts: offenders are tried in court and punished if found guilty.
• Enforcement: a person whose right has been violated can go to the High Court for enforcement.
• Compensation: victims may be given redress for what they suffered.
• Warning: punishment discourages others from committing the same act.
• Equality: no one, including a public officer, is above the law.

7. Making and enforcing laws

• Constitution: Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution lists the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
• Other laws: the National Assembly makes laws that protect groups such as children and trafficking victims.
• Enforcement: the police and courts enforce these laws.

Why must government carry out these responsibilities?

Government must protect human rights because peace, justice and development depend on them.

• Peace: respect for rights reduces conflict and unrest.
• Justice: every citizen is treated fairly.
• Trust: citizens trust a government that protects them.
• Development: people who feel safe can work, learn and take part in national life.

How can citizens help government to protect human rights?

Citizens help by respecting the law and the rights of others.

• Obey the law: respect the Constitution and other laws of the country.
• Respect others: do not bully, cheat or discriminate against other people.
• Report abuses: tell the police, the National Human Rights Commission or a civil society group.
• Learn your rights: know what the law says so that you can claim your rights.
• Support defenders: back the work of lawyers, groups and journalists who expose abuses.

Evaluation

1. State four responsibilities of government in maintaining human rights.
2. How can the government use education to protect human rights?
3. Write out NAPTIP in full.
4. Name one other agency that helps to defend human rights.
5. From what dangers should human rights defenders be protected?

Assignment

1. Explain, in your own words, any three responsibilities of government in maintaining human rights.