We Condemn Violence Against Young People In Nigeria.
Image source: Instagram.
As an international platform working on meaningful youth engagement, we are deeply sorry for what victims have been through, we deeply mourn what the victims of the attacks on peaceful protesters in Nigeria are going through. We condemn all human rights violations against our fellow advocates who had peacefully contributed to sustainable development in their community. We are grateful for the support from the international community that has urged for an end to the violence that is taking place.
We are extremely concerned about the serious situation in Nigeria after authorities imposed a curfew in Lagos, Africa's largest city, in response to the protests in the country. The majority of these are young protesters. The curfew has been followed by an unjustifiable escalation, especially the incident at Lekki Tollgate where people in military uniform attacked protesters with sharp ammunition. According to internal reports, the shooting took place during a coordinated power outage.
Internet blackouts have since continued to come and go with the intention of stopping the youth movement's organization and independent news reporting on social media platforms. The protests, known as #ENDSARS, was launched in response to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) excesses which included extrajudicial killings and executions, unlawful arrest, victimization, and arrest. Its violent approach has disproportionately affected the country's young people, and especially people living in poverty.
We note that the Republic of Nigeria, as a member of the African Union and the United Nations, has an important role to play in upholding its principles of people-centered and people-driven democratic development founded on human rights. We emphasize the UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterre's call for an accelerated commitment by UN Member States to support, protect and invest in youth participation in accordance with the Security council’s resolutions 2250, 2419 and 2535.
We call for the attention of states to their responsibility to establish a peaceful dialogue with young people and the youth movement for peace and security in their country. States carry the responsibility to fulfill any and all agreements concluded between the parties.
We emphasize the universal right of young people, in accordance with the universal human rights, to protest peacefully in Nigeria.
We call for the Republic of Nigeria,
To end all violations of young people's human rights.
To de-escalate all violence in Nigeria and that lives and people are being protected.
To restore the conditions so that citizens, especially young people, can continue their peaceful protests.
To cease police brutality and that a full investigation is appointed to restore citizens' trust in the country's institutions
To the federal government to initiate a dialogue with the youth groups in Nigeria and deliver on the promise to meet the demands made by the Nigerian Youth.
To instore the representation of young people in all decision-making assemblies, at least corresponding to the share of young people in the population.
To strengthen the conditions for young people's own organization.
We call for the UN:
To appoint a global expert group to investigate state violence against young people and violations of their human rights.
To appoint young people and youth organizations to the expert group.
To produce measurable indicators in relation to resolutions 2250, 2419 and 2535, similar to the follow-up system that exists for resolution 1325.
To include youth and youth organizations in the development of such measurable indicators.
To work with powers that be, to ensure channels of dialogue between the people and the government are not only maintained in times like this but are notoriously promoted. This should help diffuse future conflicts and reduce unnecessary clashes.
The Youth Café is actively involved in peace-building activities and conversations in Africa and the globe. The Youth Café, as a youth-led and youth-serving organization committed to the goal of peace and security based on its work in various related topics.