In a definitive response to mounting concerns over cyberbullying, derogatory online conduct, and violations of digital rights, Nigeria’s legal stakeholders organised a two-day training program for judges and attorneys in Lagos. This initiative was a collaborative effort by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders), Spaces for Change, and C-STAT.

The primary objective of the training was to fortify the understanding and enforcement of digital rights, increasingly acknowledged as essential human rights within the virtual environment. These rights encompass freedom of speech, association, internet access, information, privacy, data protection, and more.

Insights Triggered by Real-world Incidents

The necessity for such an instructional event has been highlighted by events such as the cyberbullying case involving Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus and the seven-month Twitter ban enforced by the Nigerian government.

Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the country director of Avocats Sans Frontières France Nigeria, underlined the significance of ensuring that conventional human rights are safeguarded online, as well as offline. She stressed that individuals should be able to participate in online activities without the fear of censorship, surveillance, or cyber-attacks.

The training was conducted at the Amber Residence in Ikeja GRA, Lagos State, from January 29-30. The agenda was focused on the crossroads of human rights and the digital universe, discussing how to guarantee that rights are respected in the digital realm.

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