Amnesty International alleges 10,000 die in Nigerian military detention

Know about Amnesty International

Amnesty International has issued an allegation, asserting that more than 10,000 people have died in military custody since the outbreak of the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

On Thursday, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Mr. Isa Sanusi, revealed at a press briefing that the organization has submitted a case to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing parties of crimes against humanity in the region.

Sanusi noted that the Nigerian military frequently regards individuals from Boko Haram-controlled territories as suspected members of the organization.

Amnesty says Nigerian soldiers might be responsible for some serious human rights abuses, including murder, imprisonment, and persecution based on gender.

As gathered by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the 2015 report by Amnesty International concluded that the actions in question were probably part of a systematic policy to target civilians.

The recent 144-page report presented at a conference strongly condemned Boko Haram for its atrocious actions, including mass killings, kidnappings, and assaults on educational institutions.

According to the report, Boko Haram has been responsible for numerous abductions, primarily targeting young girls and women.

“They also launch attacks on educational institutions to prevent the spread of what they perceive as “Western” education.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), recently criticized the ICC’s lengthy investigation into the Nigerian military, calling it unfair, just days before Amnesty made its allegations.

The AGF announced Nigeria’s position on Monday in a statement sent to the media in Abuja by Kamarudeen Ogundele.

The AGF emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to upholding justice and eradicating terrorism, as well as other serious crimes, during the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC in Hague.

He noted that the ICC should only intervene when national legal systems fail to address grave crimes, emphasizing that Nigeria has demonstrated the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with fellow State Parties in their shared dedication to ending impunity for the world’s most serious crimes.”

“It also expresses its unwavering support for the ICC’s mission, encouraging all States Parties to accede to the Rome Statute, ” as stated in the report.

Know about Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a worldwide human rights organization dedicated to promoting justice, equality, and human dignity through advocacy and campaigning.

History of Amnesty International

The organization was founded by a British lawyer, Peter Benenson, in 1961.

It initially focused on prisoners of conscience, but later expanded to cover a broader range of human rights issues.

Mission and Objectives of Amnesty International

Amnesty’s  missions and objectives include to conduct research and expose human rights abuses.

It focuses on mobilizing public pressure to prevent and end human rights abuses, and empower human rights defenders and activists.

Key Areas of Focus

Amnesty International supports brave individuals and groups who stand up for human rights.

The organization fights for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, making sure they’re treated with dignity and respect.

It campaigns to stop violence against women, promote equality, and protect reproductive rights.

The organization works to end the death penalty, believing that every life is valuable.

Amnesty International exposes human rights abuses during conflicts, pushing for accountability and justice.

Methods and Tactics

Research and Investigation: Amnesty International undertakes meticulous research and investigations to uncover and expose human rights violations worldwide.

Campaigning: Through strategic mobilization, Amnesty International leverages public pressure via petitions, protests, and social media campaigns to drive meaningful change.

Lobbying: The organization advocates for policy reforms and legislation that safeguard human rights, engaging with governments and international bodies to promote justice and equality.

Supporting Human Rights Defenders: Amnesty International provides critical support and solidarity to human rights defenders and activists, empowering them to continue their vital work.

Structure and Funding

Independence: Amnesty International is free from government or political influence, allowing it to speak truth to power.

Membership: With members in over 150 countries, Amnesty International is a truly global movement.

Funding: Amnesty relies on donations to fund its work, ensuring it remains independent and unbiased.

Criticisms and Controversies

It has faced accusations of bias and selectivity in its reporting and campaigning and on its stance on certain issues.

Conclusion

Amnesty International is a prominent and influential human rights organization.

It  has made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook