2 June 2011

Nigeria: Public Tribunal on Police Violations and Abuses

The NOPRIN Foundation, in collaboration with NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC) and NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON TORTURE (NCoT), with support from MacArthur Foundation,USA, hereby invites you/organization to a PUBLIC TRIBUNAL ON POLICE ABUSES IN NIGERIA, for the South-South Zone.
The Public Tribunal will provide a platform and opportunity for survivors, and relatives/ counsel or other representatives of victims, of police abuses in Nigeria, on their behalf, to testify before a panel of eminent Nigerians about the violations or abuses they have suffered in the hands of the Police or other law enforcement personnel. The panel will comprise representatives of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, National Human Rights Commission, National Committee on Torture, and Human Rights Experts. The Tribunal will focus on cases of indefinite detention without trial; torture, other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; extrajudicial killing, rape and sexual violence.
In 2010, NOPRIN, NHRC and NCoT held public tribunals in Abuja (for the North Central Zone), Akure (for the Southwest Zone), and Owerri (for the Southeast Zone). The public tribunal has become an effective and popular strategy of public advocacy against police violations and of naming and shaming of perpetrators. The tribunal has achieved significant results such as leading to disciplinary measures against police and other law enforcement personnel who perpetrate abuses; reopening of investigations into abandoned or twisted cases of police killings and cover-up of crimes; orderly room trial/court marshalling, dismissal and prosecution of police and military personnel indicted for violations and abuse of powers; recovery of bribe extorted by police personnel from victims of crime in the course of investigation, as well as inspired law enforcement policy changes, etc. The tribunal has also sought to assist government agencies statutorily charged with oversight of the police to carry out their mandates effectively and timely.
The Calabar Public Hearing will provide an opportunity for survivors, relatives or other representatives of victims of police abuses from the 6 states in the South/South Zone to testify before the panel of eminent Nigerians about their experiences and seek redress and remedy through mechanisms of internal control and external accountability.
Date          June 1 – 3, 2011
June 1: Arrival
June 2: Opening Ceremony and Public Hearing
June 3: Departure
Venue: Jorany Hotel, 153, Asari Eso Layout (off MCC/Timber Market, by Mobil Filling Station), Calabar, Cross River State.
Time         9:00 a.m. – 5.30 p. m.
Chairman, Opening Session: AIG, ZONE 6, Calabar
Goodwill Message: His Excellency, Dr. Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State
About NOPRIN Foundation:
NOPRIN Foundation (formerly Network on Police Reform in Nigeria) is a network of 46 civil society organizations spread across Nigeria, and committed to promoting police accountability and respect for human rights. It was established in 2000 to provide opportunity for civil society involvement in police reform, and the promotion of safety, security and justice in Nigeria. NOPRIN is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and carries out its mandate through monitoring, field research and investigation, documentation, publication, campaign and advocacy. NOPRIN partners with national, international, governmental and intergovernmental organizations and institutions in implementing its programs aimed at transforming law enforcement institutions and practices in Nigeria.

For further information or inquiry, please contact:
Okechukwu Nwanguma
Program Coordinator
Mobile: 08064974531
Website: www.noprin@noprin.org

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