In recognition of the critical role that legal professionals, judges and lawyers play in enhancing digital rights in Nigeria, ASF France – Lawyers without Borders France), and its e-RIGHTS project partners, CITAD and Spaces for Change have hosted two trainings for judges and Lawyers from Lagos and Imo states, under the European Union-funded Enhancing Digital Rights in Nigeria (e-RIGHTS) project.
The training, conducted in Lagos, aimed at increasing the knowledge of legal and judicial actors on international legislation and standards on digital rights, with 14 judges and 20 lawyers participating.
Underlining the importance of judges and lawyers in upholding freedom in the digital space, the Administrator of ASF France, Mr. Ivan Paneff said both groups play a critical role in every rights-based issue in Nigeria. “Judges and lawyers must be updated on European and international standards for a safer internet and freedom of speech in the digital space,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Mr. Olabisi Makanjuola, represented by the Vice-chairman, Mrs. Esther I. Jimoh, described the training as “a very welcome development, and commended ASF France and its partners “for presenting legal professionals with the opportunity to enhance the enjoyment of digital rights from the eye of the law”.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice A. J. Coker said: “The significance of training on digital rights for judges and lawyers cannot be overemphasized, judges and lawyers must be up to date with European and international standards to properly protect the digital rights of Nigerians”.
The Country Director of ASF France, Mrs. Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, gave an overview of the eRIGHTS project, highlighting its objectives, which cut across the capacity building, legal assistance, advocacy and awareness to ensure a robust landscape for the enjoyment of digital rights in Nigeria. The event featured a presentation of founding international, African, European and French conventions, brainstorming and discussion sessions on the Nigerian legal framework on digital rights and the impact of policy and regulatory instruments on digital rights and civic space, various case studies on fake news and A.I, internet bans and shutdowns, online harassment and illegal online content, privacy and cybersecurity.
The participants made several recommendations, including Increasing the number of these trainings every quarter in the whole country and preparing, with the help of EU lawyers, models of practical procedures for condemning hate speech on the Internet.
Training judges and lawyers in the risks and abuses associated with the use of AI and ethics, Seeking ways of implementing the decisions of the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Nigeria without difficulty
Training judges and lawyers in the case law of European courts protecting citizens’ electronic rights, Raising awareness on the rights and limitations of State agencies in monitoring electronic communications, Working with lawyers and judges to develop communication campaigns to alert on the penalties for online harassment and Making users of social networks aware of their criminal liability in the event of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation while upholding fundamental freedoms of free speech online.
