Human Rights

Human Rights are moral norms or principles which describe certain standards of human behaviour. These rights are regarded under municipal and international law as natural and legal entitlements of all individuals and are thus protected. Such rights include right to life, right to social security, right to freedom of thought, right to freedom of speech, right to religious freedom, right to private property, right to democracy, right to gainful employment, etc. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights lists 30 of such rights. The Nigerian constitution also covers human rights. International human rights law is a large complex area of legislation aimed at promoting human rights at international and domestic level. Within this framework, UN bodies have repeatedly called on states to ensure the full realisation of all human rights. Yet, the current design of human rights law does not foresee explicit and shared priorities in the implementation. While the advancement of all human rights shall take place simultaneously, the international community does not provide uniform standards nor clear guidance on how to implement human rights. Using the doctrinal method of research, this seminar paper examines the future of Human Rights in Nigeria and its security in adopting regional and United Nations Standards.