Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 20
20
The Integrated Review defines the aspirations for Global Britain as being a force for good...
Conclusion
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.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We do not agree with the recommendation to ring-fence support to human rights projects. ODA Budget allocations are set by the Foreign Secretary and are designed to provide support across a wide range of projects. We do not plan further ring-fencing of funding. All ODA spent by HMG in Nigeria supports the advancement of a wide range of human rights, spanning social, economic, political and civil rights as well as specific efforts to advance gender equality, child rights, freedom of religion or belief, and the right to live free from violence. Priority areas of current engagement and programming include: improving the human rights record of the Nigerian security sector; promoting the rule of law; supporting the rights of minority groups in Nigeria; and promoting freedom of religion and belief. The UK Government condemns all human rights violations or abuses in Nigeria and continues to encourage all parties to work together to enable the people of Nigeria to exercise their rights safely, peacefully and in line with the rule of law. At our inaugural Security and Defence dialogue in February, the UK and Nigerian Governments reiterated our shared understanding and commitment to protecting human rights for all. Whilst we do not specifically ring-fence funds to advance human rights, we have a number of programme areas which have a particularly direct focus on human rights issues. The UK Government works closely with the Nigerian Government and international and civil society partners in support of efforts to improve the human rights compliance and accountability of the Nigerian security sector. Increased understanding of International Humanitarian Law is central to our defence training offer to Nigeria and engagement with the Nigerian military. We continue to advocate for police reform in Nigeria and are supporting human rights and protection of civilians training for the police in the North-East (NE). Through the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) we provide support to transitional justice initiatives led by civil society organisations, focussing on promoting dialogue and reconciliation in NE Nigeria. The CSSF also provides funding to support community protection committees in NE Nigeria, which offer a space to discuss protection concerns and facilitate dialogue between civilians and security forces. The FCDO has also delivered a number of projects aimed at promoting tolerance and understanding in Nigeria, strengthening links and dialogue between civil society groups, religious leaders and religious (and non-religious) groups; and by advocating for responsible journalism. As per our earlier response, the FCDO does not plan to publish an ‘integrated delivery plan’ at this time. However, the UK Government will continue to promote Freedom of Religion and Belief and as part of our programming. For example, the FCDO has supported work to train peace ambassadors, including women peacebuilders and strengthening the capacity of faith leaders to engage with youths who are at risk of radicalisation. Through our Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID) programme, the FCDO has also supported the development of more sustainable, inclusive, and accountable social protection systems by strengthening the institutional and legislative environment, and the passage of social inclusion and protection policies and laws. This programming focuses on advancing the rights and protection of the extreme poor, children, women, people with disabilities, and those displaced by conflict, violence and disasters, and has included the launch of a Disability Trust Fund in one of our partner states.