Literacy Promotion for Human Rights Awareness and Protection: The Case of Nigeria

Abstract

The idea of human rights came into being due to man‘s injustice to man. The United Nations Organization, viewing this problem with all seriousness and concern, made the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 to encourage the protection, promotion and respect for fundamental human rights. Yet every day, from one country to another, these rights are being violated, and in some countries without the slightest compunction, especially in Africa and with particular reference to Nigeria. This is due, largely, to illiteracy on the part of the stakeholders – citizens (who cannot assert their rights due to ignorance or fear) and government officials (who ignorantly and/or intentionally overstep their boundaries). It is therefore important to intimate and sensitize people on their rights and freedoms through literacy promotion. This paper clarifies the meaning of literacy and human rights. It also examines the human rights approved by the United Nations Organization, and discusses the human rights situation in Nigeria as well as the implications of promoting human rights through literacy acquisition. Data for the study were collected from secondary sources (documents) such as textbooks, journals, magazines, bulletins, government publications and internet materials, while analysis was done qualitatively. The paper recommends that Government should provide free education at all levels, so that people who are too poor to afford the cost of education can avail themselves of the opportunity. Government should also endeavour to, among others, mount human rights literacy campaigns and enlightenment programmes, using the media as well as local groups and leaders. This will make it possible for every segment of people in the country to be reached.