Expresses its deep concern about violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Nigeria, and calls upon the Government of Nigeria urgently to ensure their observance, including by releasing all political prisoners, trade union leaders, human rights advocates and journalists who are at present detained, guaranteeing freedom of the press and ensuring respect for the rights of all individuals, including persons belonging to minorities; calls upon the Government of Nigeria to abide by its freely undertaken obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other human rights instruments; notes the declared commitment of the Government of Nigeria to civilian rule, and urges it to take further concrete steps to restore domocratic government; requests the Secretary-General in the discharge of his good offices mandate and in cooperation with the Commonwealth to continue to undertake further discussion with the Government of Nigeria and to report on progress in the implementation of the present resolution and on the possibilities for the international community to offer practical assistance to Nigeria to achieve the restoration of democratic rule.

Adopted 92-19-55, 82nd meeting

3 p.

Adopted at the 82nd plenary meeting, 12 Dec. 1996.