Human Rights Abuses: How Nations Scuttled Nigeria’s Bid for UNHRC Membership

*Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Malawi Get Seats

Korede Abdullah in Lagos

Nigeria’s bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has suffered a setback, as the country failed to secure a seat in the recent elections.

The UN General Assembly elected 15 new members to the 47-member council, with Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malawi, and Netherlands emerging victorious.

Human Rights Issues

Nigeria’s loss comes at a time when the country is grappling with various human rights issues, including election-related violence, separatist agitations, and Boko Haram’s insurgency. The country has been criticized for its handling of these issues, with reports of security forces’ abuses and lack of accountability.

The UNHRC election results are a significant development, as they reflect the international community’s assessment of Nigeria’s human rights record. The country’s failure to secure a seat on the council may put additional pressure on the government to address its human rights challenges.

Those Countries Elected

The newly elected members UNHRC have been announced. The elected members from the African region are Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Malawi. From the Asia-Pacific region, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Kuwait will join the council.

Albania and Bulgaria will represent Eastern Europe, while Brazil, Cuba, and Dominican Republic will represent Latin America and the Caribbean. Lastly, France and Netherlands will represent Western Europe and other states.

These 15 members will serve a three-year term on the 47-member council, which is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally.

The Same Defeat in 2023 Election

It will be recalled that Nigeria suffered the same humiliating defeat in the 2023 UN Human Rights Council elections, securing only three votes, while smaller African nations like Ghana and Burundi garnered 179 and 168 votes, respectively, to secure seats on the council. Malawi topped the voting with 182 votes, and Côte d’Ivoire received 181 votes, earning them both a second term.

This outcome highlights Nigeria’s struggles in the international community, particularly regarding human rights issues.

Nigeria will have to wait until the next election cycle to try again to join the UNHRC. In the meantime, the country must prioritize addressing its human rights issues to regain the trust of the international community.