Human rights education in Nigeria: an analysis of national human rights commission of Nigeria human rights education approaches

Abstract

The international community has increasingly expressed consensus on the crucial contribution of human rights education (HRE) to the realisation of human rights as well as to the long term prevention of human rights abuses and violent conflicts. HRE is widely considered to be a major tool for promoting social responsibility and a universal culture of respect for and protection of human rights. Many National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) like the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC) include HRE in their activities in an attempt to foster a sense of social change, yet NHRIs still grapple with how to effectively implement an HRE intervention that is sustainable and result oriented. In an attempt to provide resources and promote HRE, this paper examines the concept and models of HRE and analyse its potential for positive change. The paper considers that using an approach that is transformational and integrated into a community based approach anchored on the principles of participation and empowerment and delivered through culturally appropriate channels, is effective for the promotion and protection of human rights. While growing support for the inclusion of HRE in the work of NHRIs has built a solid foundation, we must critically consider the challenges and future possibilities for an effective and participatory HRE. This paper argues that the use of the transformational human rights education model (THRED) offers a better prospect and will give the highest success rate in Commission’s HRE approach.