WOMANIFESTO, a coalition of women-led organizations and civil society groups, has called for the unconditional release of minors detained following their alleged involvement in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. Citing an alarming failure in the judicial and law enforcement systems, the coalition expressed grave concerns over the treatment of these minors, asserting that their detention reflects a larger systemic disregard for child rights and Nigeria’s democratic principles.
This was contained in an impassioned open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed by the over 300 members of Womanifesto including 9jafeminista, Action Aid Nigeria, ACTS Generation GBV, Ade Grange Child Foundation, Network of Women with Disabilities(NWD), Advocacy for women with disabilities initiative (AWWDI) amongst others issued on Monday.
The letter opens by acknowledging President Tinubu’s prompt directive for the minors’ release, viewing it as a step towards safeguarding their rights and acknowledging the children’s welfare. Yet, WOMANIFESTO emphasizes that the existence of such cases in the first place raises disturbing questions about the failure of the Attorney General’s office and the law enforcement system.
“Your response is a welcome step,” the coalition stated, “but we remain deeply concerned about the systemic insensitivity toward child rights and the undermining of Nigerians’ freedom to peacefully express dissent, as reflected in the current judicial processes impacting these children.”
Disturbing Allegations of Neglect and Abuse
The coalition’s statement paints a bleak picture of the conditions in which the minors have reportedly been held. According to WOMANIFESTO, many of the detained children endured extreme conditions, including neglect, malnutrition, and inhumane treatment while waiting for their cases to be addressed. Such treatment, the coalition contends, not only breaches Nigeria’s Child Rights Act but also contravenes international human rights standards under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
WOMANIFESTO argues that the failure of detention facilities to provide basic necessities and protections further underscores the inadequacies within Nigeria’s justice system.
“This disregard for their welfare reflects poorly on Nigeria’s commitment to uphold the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,” the letter notes.
With malnutrition and psychological trauma reportedly prevalent among detained children, the coalition asserts that urgent intervention is needed to restore both the health and dignity of the young detainees.
Misuse of Counter-Terrorism Legislation
WOMANIFESTO’s letter raises another critical issue: the alleged misuse of counter-terrorism laws to suppress peaceful protests, which, it argues, undermines democratic principles and has a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, particularly children. By applying counter-terrorism laws to what are essentially peaceful demonstrations, the coalition claims, the government has stretched the bounds of legal authority in ways that infringe upon the rights of ordinary citizens and their children.
The coalition also highlights the international implications of these actions. Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council are rooted in its commitment to uphold human rights and justice. WOMANIFESTO warns that the treatment of detained minors in this context could jeopardize the nation’s credibility and its aspirations on the global stage.
WOMANIFESTO’s Core Demands
To address these grievances, WOMANIFESTO has outlined a series of demands directed at President Tinubu and his administration, focusing on immediate, systemic reform. Key among these demands is the unconditional release and rehabilitation of all detained minors. The coalition calls for not only their release but also their reintegration into educational institutions, along with access to psychological support and other rehabilitative measures to help them recover from their traumatic experiences.
In addition, WOMANIFESTO urges President Tinubu to undertake significant reforms within Nigeria’s law enforcement and judicial systems. According to the coalition, without such reform, the structural issues that allowed the detainment and mistreatment of minors are likely to persist. The letter demands an end to the impunity that has allowed such injustices to occur and stresses the importance of creating a legal and judicial environment that prioritizes human rights.
Support from Prominent Legal Advocates
Legal advocates have rallied behind WOMANIFESTO’s demands, with prominent figures like Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun condemning the prosecution of minors as a “shameful aberration.”
WOMANIFESTO echoes Edun’s stance, calling for an investigation into the officials responsible for the minors’ detention and the withdrawal of any pending charges against them. The coalition has also requested that the Police Service Commission step in to ensure accountability and discipline for any officers found to be involved in these human rights violations.
A Vision for Justice and Accountability
WOMANIFESTO concludes its open letter by reiterating its vision for a Nigeria where children are protected, valued, and empowered to thrive. The coalition envisions a society that upholds democratic principles and respects the rights of all citizens, especially the young and vulnerable.
“We urge your administration to address these critical human rights issues and to uphold the principles of democracy,” the letter asserts, pressing for an environment where every child’s dignity and rights are respected.
As the situation unfolds, WOMANIFESTO’s demands serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and reform within Nigeria’s justice system. The coalition’s call for action not only highlights the immediate need for change but also underscores the critical role of civil society in advocating for the rights of the voiceless. The onus is now on President Tinubu and his administration to heed these calls and take meaningful steps to address the grievances raised, setting a new precedent for the protection of children’s rights in Nigeria.
