The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has condemned harassment of civil society groups by agents of the federal government. This is against the ongoing siege at the office of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) by the Department of State Security (DSS).
SERAP is asking the federal government to end the growing threats, harassment and intimidation of independent civil society groups, CSGs, and respect Nigerians’ human rights.
In a statement, SERAP said “We condemn the reported invasion on Monday of the Abuja office of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the National Chapter of Transparency International in Nigeria by the Department of State Services (DSS).
“The Buhari administration must end the growing threats, harassment and intimidations of independent civil society groups, and respect Nigerians’ human rights. It is essential that civil society groups pushing for accountability are able to do their work without fear of reprisals.
“Civil society groups are critical for respect of human rights and the rule of law in a democratic society. Attempts to silence them are counter-productive and shameful. The Buhari administration must respect Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.
“We call on Nigeria’s partners and @antonioguterres @mbachelet @UN_SPExperts @UN_HRC @MaryLawlorhrds @cvoule @Irenekhan @UNTreatyBodies to actively support civil society groups, and to speak up loudly for the right to defend human rights in Nigeria. #StandUp4HumanRights.”