INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY HISTORIC NEW YORK TIMES FULL PAGE OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA
SHOW SOLIDARITY.
The #EndSARS movement is a direct reflection of government leaders’ blatant decision to ignore their citizens’ increased demands for freedom, justice, and peace. Diaspora Rising has been on the ground listening to the experiences of Nigerian protestors, activists, and members of the media.
President Muhammadu Buhari violated Nigerian citizens’ right to protest and demands to immediately halt – and furthermore ban – the use of excessive force by law enforcement. Usage of threats, arrests, and killings of protesters, activists, and members of the media is a direct attack on their rights as global citizens and only continues and strengthens a system of corruption that benefits people with privilege and in power.
Artwork by award winning artist – @LaoluNYC
SHARE YOUR VALUES.
Signatories of the letter are demanding the Nigerian government to:
Release all jailed protesters, activists, and journalists;
Hold all military, security, and intelligence officers or personnel responsible for the killings of protestors accountable;
Permit a transparent investigation by independent human rights monitors into the actions that led to the killings at Lekki Toll Gate;
Lift the ban on peaceful demonstrations throughout Nigeria.
International Human Rights Day commemorates the United Nations General Assembly decision to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which states that the protection of “equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”