ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS ON TERRORISM AND HUMAN RIGHT PROTECTION VIS-À-VIS NIGERIA LEGAL TERRAIN

Abstract

The most pressing concerns facing current generation across the universe is the geometric rise in the incidence and notoriety of terrorism and terrorist activities. This has culminated into the emergence of International human rights standards owing to the obligation to control the violent and extreme behaviour. It is not gainsaid that Nigeria, as a sovereign State, has also launched a campaign against terrorism. While the response of Nigeria to combat terrorism has been applauded; the incessant human rights violation by the security personnel championing the fight against terrorism remains problematic. To this end, this paper analyses international legal instrument on terrorism, protection against violation of human rights while fighting terrorist and what the Nigeria stand to benefit from it. The paper posits that there are adequate provisions to curb the spread of terrorism in the various international legal instruments and domestic legislations on the issue, but lack of political will on the part of government remains the ultimate challenge. The paper recommends enforcement paradigm of the existing legal framework on terrorism and human right protection in Nigeria.