The National Human Rights Commission has called for reforms in correctional centres, highlighting the dire conditions across the country.

This was disclosed in a statement by NHRC executive secretary Tony Ojukwu to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day.

The Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on July 18, 2009, following a unanimous decision by the UN General Assembly.

It was inspired by a call Mr Mandela made a year earlier, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that “it is in your hands now”.

Mr Ojukwu emphasised the need to address issues such as overcrowding, lengthy pretrial detentions, and inadequate infrastructure, aligning with the spirit of Mr Mandela’s legacy of justice and dignity.

He noted that Mr Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.

”The current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity. Thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias,” he said.

He, therefore, urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritise comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centres. This, he said, included improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.

Mr Ojukwu emphasised the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice. He added that in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.

(NAN)