National Human Rights Commission and Hope Behind Bars Africa Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Human Rights, Civic and Digital Space in Nigeria

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) have entered into a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on human rights protection, access to justice, civic space, digital rights, and accountability in Nigeria.

The MoU was signed by Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Human Rights Commission, and Oluwafunke Adeoye, Executive Director, Hope Behind Bars Africa, on behalf of both organizations.

The partnership establishes a strategic framework for both institutions to work together on initiatives aimed at responding to emerging and persistent human rights challenges, strengthening access to justice, protecting civic participation, and supporting individuals and communities impacted by violations within Nigeria’s justice system.

Under the partnership, NHRC and HBBA will collaborate on initiatives including the Justice-Tech Node, Defend the Defenders: Enhancing Action Against Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), the Civic Accord Project as well as other joint interventions focused on advancing human rights and civic engagement. The collaboration will include public education, capacity building, advocacy, and the development of innovative approaches to strengthening human rights.

Access to justice for pre-trial detainees

A key component of the partnership is the strengthening of access to justice for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, particularly pre-trial detainees. The parties will explore integrated legal responses, case management and referral mechanisms, routine custodial centre visits, jail delivery initiatives, and the production of annual reports examining the state of human rights in corrections and detention facilities.

A Justice-Tech Node

The partnership will also support the establishment of a Justice-Tech Node, which will provide a platform for justice institutions, civil society organisations and actors within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem to collaborate on technology-enabled harms and contribute to the development of a stronger tech justice ecosystem.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment by NHRC and HBBA to building a stronger human rights ecosystem in Nigeria, one that protects fundamental rights, expands access to justice, safeguards civic participation, responds to emerging digital threats, and strengthens accountability.

About Hope Behind Bars Africa

Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) is a Nigerian non-governmental organisation committed to closing the justice gap in Nigeria. HBBA works to support individuals impacted by the justice system, while strengthening civic space, defending human rights defenders, promoting accountability, and developing innovative approaches to justice through legal, advocacy, research and technology-driven interventions.

Media contact: Hope Behind Bars Africa, Abuja, Nigeria. Email: hello@hopebehindbarsafrica.org