Xenophobic attacks: the group urges Ghana and Nigeria to protect the rights, the means of existence of Nigerian immigrants – Thage

The Foundation for the defense of asylum and refugees rights, also known as kindergarten and Refugee Rights Advocacy (Arg), expressed deep concern for the recent reports of targeted protests, looting and destruction of companies owned by Nigerian immigrants in Ghana, describing accidents as clear violations of fundamental human rights and a violation of national and international protections. The organization states that all countries have a binding duty to support the rights of immigrants in their territories, in line with constitutional guarantees, international treaties and regional agreements.

Dr. Okey James Ezugwu Esq, legal practitioner, general controller assistant of the immigration service (RTD) and founder and executive director of Arra, warned that the wave of attacks and intimidations threatens not only the safety of the Nigerians in Ghana, but also the regional principles of regional integration, human dignity and rule of western Africa.

“What we are witnessing in Ghana is a disturbing model of xenophobic aggression, economic intimidation and deliberate destruction of the means of subsistence-acts that have not placed in a modern society and governed by law,” said dr. Ezugwu. “Immigrants, regardless of nationality, have the right to protection pursuant to the establishment of the host country, as well as traineesActive tools to which Ghana is a signatory. “

Arch underlined that, according to the establishment of Ghana in 1992, all people within its territory enjoy the right to life, personal security, ownership, equality before the law and freedom from discrimination. The Foundation stressed that the recent actions of the crowd – including looting and destruction of shops owned by the Nigerians – constitute an illegal property deprivation, targeted discrimination and violations of the right trial.

The declaration also stressed that Nigerian immigrants in Ghana are protected pursuant to the Ecowas protocol on the free movement of people, residence and establishment, which guarantees the rights of the citizens of Ecowas to enter, reside and establish businesses in the Member States without fear of arbitrary expulsion, harassment or collective punishment. These protections are strengthened by the African paper on human rights and people, which supports property rights, non -discrimination and safety of the person.

“It is irrelevant if some individuals are accused of illegal conduct: these issues must be managed through legitimate arrest, a fair trial and the right process, not the justice of the crowd or collective reprisals,” said dr. Ezugwu. “Failure to prevent, investigate and punish these acts of violence not only encourages the authors, but also exposes the state to international liability”.

Arrava invited the Ghana government to undertake immediate, visible and decisive action to:

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3. Compensate the victims for the loss of ownership and means of subsistence e

4. Support the obligations of the Ecowas Treaty in good faith.

The non -governmental organization also urged the government of Nigeria to intensify the diplomatic commitment, to provide legal assistance and emergency relief to affected citizens and strengthen the mechanisms for a rapid response to threats against the Nigerians abroad.

“African leaders must go beyond rhetoric. We need proactive and institutional measures to ensure that no immigrant – whether it is a refugee, an asylum seeker or a regular migrant – lives in fear for their safety or sustenance. The protection of immigrants is not charity; it is a legal obligation of binding treaties”, concluded dr. Ezugwu.

Archbishop has further appeal to the leaders of the African Union, the Ecowas authorities and the United Nations system to monitor the situation in Ghana up close and to offer technical and political support to both countries in facing the causes of the root of anti-immigrated sentiment.

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