Nigeria has urged the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to avoid politicisation, double standards and selective treatment of human rights issues, warning that such practices undermine international confidence in the body.

The government also called on the UNHRC to uphold universality, impartiality, objectivity and fairness as Nigeria prepares to join its membership.

Nigeria’s representative, Bola Asaju, spoke on Wednesday during the General Assembly Third Committee’s interactive dialogue with the President of the Human Rights Council at UN Headquarters in New York.

Mr Asaju said political considerations should not undermine the credibility of international mechanisms set up to protect human rights.

The Nigerian delegation called for renewed commitment to constructive dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among countries, regardless of political, economic or geographical differences.

It said human rights protection must remain consistent with internationally agreed principles and obligations, rather than follow selective approaches shaped by competing interests.

The delegation warned that conflict, climate change and persistent development challenges were worsening human rights conditions, particularly in vulnerable and developing countries.

It urged the international community to recognise the link between peace, sustainable development and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Nigeria said the UNHRC’s approaching 20th anniversary offered an opportunity to review its achievements, shortcomings and effectiveness in responding to contemporary challenges.

The delegation advocated balanced attention to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, insisting that no category should be neglected.

It identified poverty eradication, the right to development and the fight against racism as priorities needing sustained attention, particularly in Africa and other developing regions.

Nigeria said meaningful protection of human rights must address conditions that prevent people from accessing education, healthcare, economic opportunities and essential public services.

The government backed reforms to reduce duplication, review overlapping mandates and improve coordination between the UNHRC’s work in Geneva and General Assembly processes in New York.

However, it insisted that reforms should preserve meaningful participation by all member states, including those with smaller delegations and limited resources.

The delegation said the UNHRC’s effectiveness should be measured by improvements in people’s lives, not by the number of resolutions and meetings. It called for stronger technical assistance and capacity-building programmes to help countries implement their human rights commitments.

The delegation recalled Nigeria’s fourth Universal Periodic Review in 2024 and reiterated its commitment to implementing accepted recommendations through national institutions and relevant stakeholders.

Nigeria was elected to the 47-member Council for the 2027–2029 term, winning 172 of 181 valid votes cast on October 13. It will begin its three-year term on January 1, 2027, alongside 14 other newly elected members.

Nigeria reaffirmed its readiness to work with other delegations to strengthen the Council’s credibility, improve its effectiveness and promote universal respect for human dignity.

(NAN)