Recommendation 20

The Integrated Review defines the aspirations for Global Britain as being a force for good that supports open societies and defends human rights. We recognise that the understanding of these is one that is shared by the Buhari Government, which 42 Lagos calling: Nigeria and the Integrated Review has committed to improving Nigeria’s human rights record. We have received evidence that there are still concerns from civil society that abuses and inaction by Government forces constitute a concern for the upholding of human rights. Within Nigerian society there are still concerning allegations of human rights abuses against minority groups, control of the media, and citizen surveillance. We welcome the UK Government’s efforts to support the Nigerian Government as they address these issues and in practice recommend this should mean the following: a) Ring-fencing support to projects that assist the Nigerian Government in its efforts to promote human rights; and speaking out when rights are abused. b) The integrated delivery plan should include concrete steps for how the UK Government will support the Nigerian Government in promoting freedom of religion and belief, as well as preventing violence against women and girls, across their engagement activities in Nigeria.