The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate a genuine commitment to human rights protection as Nigeria joins the global community to mark the 2025 International Human Rights Day.

In a statement by its national president, Debo Adeniran, the rights group said governments at all levels must go beyond speeches and begin to implement reforms that strengthen democratic institutions, uphold justice, and guarantee citizens’ dignity.

Mr Adeniran said the 2025 theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” is a reminder that human rights begin with individuals and are reinforced through daily actions that build a just society.

He warned that the government must take its constitutional responsibility seriously, stressing that “the primary duty to promote, protect, and fulfil human rights rests with the state.”

“We call on all branches of government to move beyond rhetoric and enact tangible reforms. This means strengthening independent institutions, ensuring accountability for security forces, enacting laws that protect rather than restrict, and providing accessible justice for all victims of abuse,” the statement read.

Mr Adeniran added that government legitimacy is tied to its ability to safeguard citizens’ rights, stressing that when rights are repeatedly violated, the social contract that binds citizens and the state becomes eroded.

The group described the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted over 75 years ago, as an “urgent blueprint for the present and future.”

It noted that the values of equality, justice, freedom, and dignity remain crucial as nations confront modern challenges such as digital surveillance, economic inequality, climate injustice, and violent conflict.

“Human rights are not privileges for the powerful or compliant. They are the inherent birthright of every person—the street vendor, student, journalist, farmer, dissident, and civil servant,” the statement added.

The CDHR added that this year’s Human Rights Day theme calls attention to the need to protect society’s most vulnerable, arguing that a nation that defends its marginalised people strengthens peace, justice, and prosperity for all.

The group, however, issued a three-part call to Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the government.

“To the people: Know your rights and stand firm in your dignity. To civil society: Continue documenting abuses and speaking truth to power. To the government: Investigate all violations, prosecute offenders, and guarantee citizens’ safety.”

It also renewed its call for Chapters 2 and 4 of the Nigerian constitution, which outline fundamental rights and social welfare obligations, to be made fully justiciable.

“No one loses anything if the rights to education, healthcare, food, shelter, and employment are constitutionally fortified,” the group said.

CDHR urged Nigerians and the government to recommit to the promise of the UDHR, adding that it is a world where freedom replaces fear and justice triumphs over oppression.