Generally, where policies are developed within a human rights framework, it is more likely that corresponding laws will enshrine human rights effortlessly. In the same vein, when such laws and programs are designed and implemented, people are less likely to need judicial help to secure their rights. Policy work should be based on the assertion that government policies developed in the area of economic, social and cultural affairs are not matters of mere generosity, but are rather obligations of the state to set agendas and programs for fulfilling and protecting human rights.
Policy advocacy is a “bottom up” approach initiated by citizen stakeholders. These citizens, acting individually or as a collective are often represented by nonprofit organizations. The citizens represented may have less relative power in society or may be unable to represent their own interests, such as infants, the less privileged and those who are marginalized in society.
There is no doubt that policy advocacy will play a great role in revolutionizing policies on fundamental human rights that will help promote, improve and build a strong system on Human rights issue in Nigeria.
There are some many loopholes, discrepancies and challenges and obstacles involved in fundament human rights in Nigeria spanning from the constitution on human rights, civil and public societies, public human right defenders, Judicial system, law enforcement agencies and others.
Policy advocacy will help reform the constitution on the two different human rights issues I contained in chapters II and IV the Nigeria constitution and will make Fundamental human rights can only be carried out in its right sense by making the chapter II of the Nigeria constitution justiciable under the law. These rights are rooted on the belief that the attainment of certain level of social and economic standard is a necessary condition for the enjoyment of the civil and political rights. Adegbite puts it as “What is right to life to an unemployed and hungry man? And what is the meaning of the so-called fundamental right to freedom of expression to a stark illiterate and uneducated man?” These rights require affirmative governmental action for their enjoyment. This is essentially why there has been no improvement in the socio-economic, cultural aspect of the country because it is the responsibility of the state to provide these rights and they cannot be held accountable by Nigeria citizens under the Nigeria constitution.
Human rights thrive on the equitable assertiveness of pro active individuals and civil society organizations to uphold justice and fairness on the principles of accountability, clarity of purpose, empowerment, safe guarding and diversity.
The aforementioned principles of advocacy are not only pertinent for emphasizing inalienable human rights but are propellants of sustainable growth and integral development in an increasingly alert society.
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