Nigeria: Violence

(asked on 22nd October 2020) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Nigerian counterpart on potential human rights violations in that country by police during operations to limit demonstrations; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
James Duddridge Portrait
James Duddridge
This question was answered on 2nd November 2020

The Government is deeply concerned by violence during protests in Lagos and other major cities in Nigeria, including reports of protestors being killed. Our condolences go to the families of all those affected. The Foreign Secretary issued a statement on 21 October calling for an end to the violence and for the Nigerian Government to urgently investigate reports of brutality by its security forces. I also tweeted on 21 October urging the Nigerian Government to restore peace and address concerns about brutality towards civilians. I reiterated the UK's concerns when I [Minister Duddridge] spoke to Foreign Minister Onyeama on 23 October. The British High Commissioner in Abuja continues to raise the protests with representatives of the Nigerian Government.

We will continue to push the Nigerian police to uphold human rights and the rule of law in all operations. We will also continue to urge the Nigerian authorities to investigate allegations of police brutality, illegal detentions and assaults, and hold those responsible to account.

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