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CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT |
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CHRRD INTRODUCES VOTAS: NIGERIA VOTERS ASSEMBLY The Centre for Human Rights
Research and Development in order to give full expression to the resolution
adopted by the UN Commission on Human Rights in General on 27th April, 1999 and
provisions in the Nigeria 1999 Constitution on the rights to democracy and
participation, decided to establish the Nigeria Voters Assembly as a veritable
toll of implementation UN Commission on Human Rights Resolution. Nigeria Voters Assembly
re-affirms and adopts the United Nations Commission on Human Rights resolution
on the “Promotion of the Right to Democracy”. Excerpts from the
resolution appear below: The Commission on Human Rights, Bearing in mind the indissoluble links between the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the foundation of any democratic society……..Recognizing that democracy, development and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and that democracy is based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives………Resolved, on the eve of a new century and millennium, to take all measures within its power to secure for all people the fundamental democratic rights and freedoms to which they are entitled, 1.
Affirms that democracy fosters the full realization of all human rights,
and vice versa; 2. Also affirms that the rights of democratic governance include, inter alia, the following; (a).
The rights to freedom of opinion and expression, of thought, conscience
and religion, and of peaceful association and assembly; (b)
The right to freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
through any media; (c)
The rule of law, including legal protection of citizens’ rights,
interests and personal security, and fairness in the administration of justice
and independence of the judiciary; (d)
The right of universal and equal suffrage, as well as free voting
procedures and periodic and free elections; (e)
The right of political participation, including equal opportunity for all
citizens to become candidates; (f) Transparent and
accountable government institutions; (g)
The right of citizens to choose their governmental system through
constitutional or other democratic means; (h) The right to equal access
to public service in one’s own country; 3.
Notes that the realization of all human rights----civil, cultural,
economic, political and social, including the right to development----are
indispensable to human dignity and the full development of human potential and
are also integral to democratic society; 4.
Urges the continuation and expansion of activities carried out by the
United Nations system, other intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations and Member States to promote and consolidate democracy within the
framework of international cooperation and to build a democratic political
culture through the observance of human rights, mobilization of civil society
and other appropriate measures in support of democratic governance. NIGERIA 1999 CONSTITUTION The mandate of Nigeria Voters
Assembly therefore is to give full expression to provisions contained in section
14 (2) a, b, c, under chapter II of the 1999 constitution. Section 14(2a) states“Sovereignty belongs to
Nigerian from whom government through this constitution derives all its powers
and authority”. Section 14(2b) states“The
security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government” Section 14(2c) States“The participation by the
people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provision of
this constitution” On January 1, 2005, the Board of
Trustees of the Centre for Human Rights Research and Development decided to give
implementation teeth to the above International Resolution and National
Constitutional provisions by establishing the first ever Nigeria Voters Assembly.
with VOTAS as its acronym. The VOTAS is a non-partisan non-governmental
organization dedicated to promoting citizens participation, transparency and
accountability, and to strengthening political and civil rights. The mission statement contains the following
goals:: To
encourage greater participation and civic awareness among the people on
National, State and Local Government issues To establish greater communication with and among Nigerians, living and studying or working overseas To
interact with like minded groups within and outside of Nigeria to work together
for greater participation and openness To promote
transparency and accountability in government and non-governmental institution
including the business sector and secure the rights of Nigeria to social
guarantees and information. For further information on the VOTAS contact Mashood Erubami, Executive Director CHRRD
For More Information Contact: Email: erubamio@yahoo.co.uk,
CHRRDNigeria@gmail.com, chrrd92@yahoo.com
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Last modified: 29 November 2005 |
