NIGERIA: A/S KRAMER VISITS NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 001847 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W, INR/AA DOE FOR GEORGE PERSON E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/11/2018 TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV AF NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: A/S KRAMER VISITS NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Walter Pflaumer for reasons 1.4. (b & d). ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor David J. Kramer met with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Executive Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Foloshade Ajoni, during a September 8-9 visit to Abuja. Discussions focused on the role of the Commission in police training, prison decongestion, the electoral process and anti-corruption. Mrs. Ajoni also requested technical assistance in training NHRC staff, support for an awareness campaign, materials for the Commission library and possible sponsorship to attend and monitor the U.S. elections in November. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) During a September 8 meeting, NHRC Executive Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Foloshade Ajoni, informed A/S Kramer that the Commission received approximately 699 abuse complaints from January through August of this year. According to Ajoni, the majority of complaints involved domestic violence, extra-judicial killings by security forces, arbitrary arrest or detention, and rape. When asked about freedom of press, Ajoni stated there was no self-censorship amongst journalists and no violence against them. (NOTE: The credibility of this statement is questionable as it contradicts not only reports received by Poloff of journalists being harassed and/or beaten, but also the 2007 annual report just released by the NHRC. END NOTE.) Ajoni also suggested that freedom of religion was not an issue as it was guaranteed by the Constitution. Ajoni added that if the Commission received assistance in mounting an awareness campaign about the NHRC and its functions, more complaints would likely be received. ¶3. (C) In response to A/S Kramer's question about the type of training the NHRC provided to police, Ajoni explained that bi-monthly lectures were conducted at the police academy and specialized training was provided to officers who were appointed to serve at the Human Rights Desks located in the zonal offices as well as the national headquarters. Ajoni expressed frustration, however, that the officers who received such specific training were often transferred or redeployed to other positions where the training went "to waste." Due to this issue, Ajoni said the Commission plans to focus more on training of trainers within the Nigeria Police Force so training will always be available as officers rotate. ¶4. (C) When asked about the NHRC role in alleviating prison congestion, Ajoni said she was working with the Attorney General's office as well as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on strategies to release and/or pardon many of the detainees who have been awaiting trial for long periods of time. Ajoni said that too often case files disappeared or were lost, leaving people to languish in prison for years. Ajoni pointed to poor record keeping and the lack of data collection mechanisms as reasons that monitoring such cases was often difficult or even impossible. Additionally, Ajoni said the NHRC was working with the NBA to provide free legal service to those who could not afford representation, in hopes of moving more people through the trial process. ¶5. (C) A/S Kramer inquired about the role of the NHRC in the electoral process. Ajoni replied that members of the Commission monitored the 2007 election as well as the more recent by-elections. Additionally, Ajoni said the NHRC had submitted its recommendations to the Electoral Reform Committee. Ajoni queried A/S Kramer about the possibility of the USG sponsoring a delegation from the NHRC to travel to the U.S. to observe the upcoming November elections. A/S Kramer told Mrs. Ajoni he would look into any possible programs; but informed her that, although an excellent idea, it might not be possible. ¶6. (C) According to Mrs. Ajoni, the National Action Plan for Human Rights is currently being updated to ensure independence and transparency within the Commission. Noting that corruption is one of the most serious human rights abuses, Ajoni informed A/S Kramer that there was an ABUJA 00001847 002 OF 002 Anti-Corruption Unit within the Commission. Ajoni added, however, that they, in addition to the other 400-plus staff, needed training to build capacity in the areas of investigative skills, reporting and advocating for action. Ajoni also requested USG assistance in stocking the Commission library with appropriate materials that would provide supplementary information on human rights protection. ¶7. (C) COMMENT: Although Mrs. Ajoni's appointment as Executive Secretary by former President Obasanjo was questioned by many, she retains her tenure under President Yar'Adua and appears to be a dedicated activist. As a parastatal of the government, it is hard to believe the NHRC could truly be objective and independent; however, the past two annual reports released by the NHRC have provided comprehensive details about abuses ranging from torture and extra-judicial killings by security forces to electoral malpractice. Unfortunately, despite the political will within the Commission, lack of capacity, funding and judicial authority continue to hinder major progress. END COMMENT. PFLAUMER