2027: CCEC-PB, NHRC, Ministry craft legal shield for rights defenders

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peace-Building (CCEC-PB) has called for a legal framework to protect human rights defenders in Kaduna State and the North West from political repression, arbitrary arrest, surveillance, and harassment.

The CCEC-PB convener, Dr Salaudeen Hashim, made the call in Kaduna during a technical working group meeting on drafting the Human Rights Defenders Protection Framework.

The event was organised alongside Spaces for Change, with support from the Fund for Global Human Rights.

Hashim stressed that civic actors, journalists, and lawyers face mounting risks for holding authorities accountable.

He cited the unresolved disappearance of an activist, Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata).

According to him, the framework aims to establish a clear referral network for threatened defenders, with plans to push for its passage by the Kaduna State House of Assembly as a regional model.

Kaduna NHRC Coordinator, Dr. Tengu Gwar, emphasised that the framework should complement existing mechanisms like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act, defining clear agency responsibilities and ensuring inclusive, gender-sensitive protections.

Representative of Kaduna State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zainabu Kyari, pledged full Ministry support. She noted the state’s Citizens’ Rights Department, which has actively been resolving rights violations through alternative dispute resolution.

She affirmed that protecting defenders remains essential for a functioning democracy.