By Ibironke Ariyo
The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture victims (IRCT) has urged comprehensive, rights-based support for survivors of protest-related abuses in Nigeria.
Ms Elcin Turkdogan delivered the call in Abuja during a sensitisation workshop marking the 2025 International Human Rights Day.
The event was organised by Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and co-convened by the Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF), with support from the News Agency of Nigeria.
The programme featured survivor testimonies, legal analysis, survey findings, and a documentary on the right to protest.
Turkdogan said the right to peaceful assembly was the “heartbeat of democratic life”, enabling citizens to express needs and shape a better future.
She said countries struggled to balance public order with democratic freedoms, noting the relevance of Nigeria’s 1994 nationwide protest.
She added that protests often became sites of abuse, excessive force, arbitrariness, and intimidation.
“The Istanbul Protocol offers recognised guidance for documenting injuries and violations, ensuring accountability and preventing future abuses,” she said.
She noted that IRCT helped develop the framework, which remains vital for global legal and policy action.
Turkdogan said rehabilitation must be holistic and centred on survivors.
“This includes medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, social services, reintegration, empowerment, and protection from reprisals.
“Rehabilitation is a right and state obligation, not charity,” she said.
She commended PRAWA, LGCF, and partners for offering strong models of emotional and economic support.
She said Nigeria’s youthful population made this a good moment to embed socio-economic rehabilitation into state practice.
A survivor, Ms Ngozi Ogoke, urged stronger protection for citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Ogoke, Coordinator of the National Survivors Network, shared her experience and said she feared for her life during a protest.
She said protesting when things went wrong was a right, not a crime, citing the AAP versus IG ruling of 2014.
“Protesters do not seek permits but notify authorities to ensure protection and prevent disruption,” she said.
She urged law enforcement to safeguard protesters rather than obstruct their constitutional rights.
Ogoke praised CSOs, NGOs, volunteers, and activists for offering vital resources, medical care, and legal support.
She said survivor networks now shape policies, strengthen anti-torture work, and build communities defending human rights.
She also commended PRAWA and LGCF for ensuring survivors’ voices were heard and their rights protected. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
