Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 45th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Nigeria

23 January 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President

Australia acknowledges Nigeria has not carried out the death sentence since 2016, although we are concerned that courts continue to sentence people to death for a range of offences.

Australia is also concerned by reports of human rights violations by security and law enforcement agencies, by persistently high gender inequality, and by reports of violence against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Australia recommends Nigeria:

1. Establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty as a step toward formal abolition.
2. Repeal legislative provisions targeting people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.  
3. Investigate allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by security forces and hold perpetrators to account.