The Commonwealth Secretariat in London, England, has promised “to engage with the Government of Nigeria with a view to providing technical assistance and advisory on the issues of freedom of religion, thought and conscience in accordance with the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter and in compliance with international human rights law and obligations.”

It made the pledge in a letter dated 13 August 2020 addressed to Emeka Umeagbalasi

Board Chair, International Society For Civil Liberties & The Rule of Law (Intersociety), Onitsha, South East Nigeria.

Signed by Advocate Karen Mckenzie, OIC, Governance and Peace Directorate, the letter was in reply to Intersociety’s letter of 5 August, 2020 “Calling for urgent international intervention to stop state protected Fulani & other Jihadists from wiping out Christians in Nigeria”.

After thanking Intersociety for the letter addressed to the Commonwealth Secretary-General through its New York office, the Commonwealth said:

“Nigeria has been a respected member of the Commonwealth family of nations since 1960 and has committed itself to upholding the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter, which underscores a commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights covenants and international instruments. It also commits member states to equality and respect for the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, for all without discrimination on any grounds as the foundations of peaceful, just and stable societies.

“The Commonwealth Secretariat is ready and willing to engage with the Government of Nigeria with a view to providing technical assistance and advisory on the issues of freedom of religion, thought and conscience in accordance with the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter and in compliance with international human rights law and obligations.

“We appreciate your continued vigilance concerning the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.”

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