- A UN expert on human rights and religious freedom today urged the government of Nigeria to do more to avoid Muslim-Christian violence in the country. Incidents of religious discrimination and intimidation were growing in number in Nigeria, something that may increase the risk of violence and conflict.
Asma Jahangir, the UN's Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, on Tuesday concluded a one-week visit to Nigeria, where she met with President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Governor of Plateau State and with other government officials, as well as with representatives of civil society. In general, Ms Jahangir said she was "positively impressed by the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of different religions and ethnicities, which in many ways is the strength of Nigeria."
While commendable initiatives had been adopted in Nigeria by both the state and civil society to promote dialogue between Muslims and Christians, more efforts however needed be made to avoid further violence, according to Ms Jahangir. "While the Government of Nigeria has always demonstrated a high respect for the right to freedom of religion, tensions and lack of understanding between the two major religions of the country have led to a number of instances of violence and religious intolerance," she noted in a statement.
- A number of cases of religious discrimination and intimidation have been brought to the attention of the Special Rapporteur by both Muslims and Christians, Ms Jahangir revealed. "In addition, lack of respect for traditional religions has been reported, which may result in a denial of their participation in mainstream national policies," she added.
Ms Jahangir noted that newly-adopted legal systems based on religion and applicable to members of the corresponding religious community may raise human rights concerns, including vis-à-vis women and other coexisting religious groups. The UN expert most likely was referring to the Shari'a legislation - Muslim law - adopted by several states in Northern Nigeria.
Shari'a laws, as implemented in northern Nigerian states, are known for making use of cruel punishment methods and discriminating women. Stoning and amputations are applied and it is far easier for women than for men to be convicted in adultery cases. The UN's human rights agency has earlier noted its concern over these cruel methods, saying basic human rights are violated.
The application of Muslim law in these states has also caused friction between the majority Muslim population and the Christian and African religious minorities. Shari'a law has in some cased been applied on non-Muslims, causing protests by the region's religious minorities.
Ms Jahangir said that she considered the root causes of existing tensions manifesting themselves along religious lines to "be manifold" and that they should be addressed in an even more sustained manner. In this respect, she commended government initiatives to promote dialogue between religious communities. "More efforts in this direction" were however necessary.
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