Submission on Alleged Violations of Civil and Economic Rights in Anambra State, Nigeria
To:
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Re: Human Rights Concerns Regarding Threats Against Peaceful Civil Protest and Economic Freedom in Anambra State, Nigeria
Your Excellencies,
We respectfully submit this communication for your urgent attention concerning alleged threats and coercive measures by the Government of Anambra State, Nigeria, directed at civilians for their participation in a voluntary Monday sit-at-home protest.
According to credible public statements and media reports, the Anambra State Government has threatened punitive actions—including the shutdown of major commercial centers such as the Onitsha Main Market—against traders and private citizens who voluntarily refrain from economic activity on Mondays. These measures are reportedly intended to compel participation in commercial activities.
Nature of the Alleged Violations
The sit-at-home action constitutes a peaceful form of civil protest and political expression. The reported threats raise serious concerns regarding violations of internationally protected rights, including:
Freedom of expression (Article 19, ICCPR)
Freedom of peaceful assembly and association (Articles 21 and 22, ICCPR)
Freedom from coercion and collective punishment
The right to pursue lawful economic activities without intimidation
The obligation of the State to protect, not punish, civilians
Nigeria is a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which impose binding obligations on all levels of government, including subnational authorities.
Use of Coercion Against Civilians
Threatening market closures or economic sanctions against civilians for exercising personal choice amounts to collective intimidation and undermines democratic governance. International human rights standards are clear that peaceful protest must not be suppressed through fear, economic punishment, or administrative retaliation.
The protest is widely understood to be connected to broader political and human rights grievances, including concerns surrounding the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Regardless of differing political views, international law requires that civilian populations not be targeted or penalized for expressing dissent peacefully.
Failure to Meet Positive State Obligations
Rather than coercion, international norms require States to:
Engage in good-faith dialogue with affected communities
Address root causes of protest through lawful and political means
Provide credible guarantees of security of lives and property
Promote voluntary participation in economic life through confidence-building measures
Punitive approaches risk escalating tensions and may expose civilians to further harm.
Requests to the Special Rapporteurs
We respectfully request that the Special Rapporteurs:
Seek clarification from the Government of Nigeria and the Anambra State Government regarding these reported threats
Remind the authorities of their obligations under international human rights law
Urge restraint and the cessation of any form of intimidation or collective punishment
Encourage dialogue-based, rights-respecting approaches to resolving the situation
We submit this communication in good faith, in the interest of preventing further escalation, protecting civilian livelihoods, and upholding Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
We thank you for your attention to this matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Anyi Kings on behalf of Biafra Reporters
And Biafra self determination Advocates
Under the umbrella body IPOB
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