The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) raised the alarm regarding the deteriorating human rights situation in Nigeria’s Southeast during a high-level meeting with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the nation’s capital.
The engagement took place during the official visit of ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang to Abuja. FENRAD joined a broad coalition of the Nigerian Human Rights Network, civil society organisations, and defenders from across the country to bridge the gap between domestic advocacy and international justice mechanisms.
Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the Executive Director of FENRAD and a Steering Committee Member of the Human Rights Network Agenda (HRAN), delivered a central presentation that provided an evidence-based analysis of regional instability. Nwafor specifically highlighted the persistence of mass atrocities, a systemic rise in extrajudicial executions, and the increasing militarisation of the Southeast.
Addressing the ICC delegation, Nwafor argued that the level of documented violations necessitates proactive intervention from the Hague. He emphasised that FENRAD and its partners have compiled a comprehensive body of evidence intended to support formal accountability processes, stressing that justice for victims remains the only path toward long-term stability.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountable security governance and amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities. Alongside FENRAD’s leadership, the delegation commended the efforts of HRAN President Chino Obiagwu (SAN) and thanked Deputy Prosecutor Niang for his openness to civil society input.
This meeting represents a significant milestone in the cooperation between Nigerian rights groups and international institutions, signalling a renewed effort to end impunity and uphold the rule of law within the region. #Securitynewsalert.com
