The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and religious beliefs protects the coming together of people and individuals working for a common goal. These laws are enshrined in Sections 38 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as other regional and international human rights standards to which Nigeria is a party.
The exercise of these rights is very key because peace and harmony cannot thrive where people cannot freely associate and air their grievances collectively in a sustainable matter. Free association and assembly and religious belief accordance with the law and without endangering society enables people of like minds to exchange ideas that might enhance quality of lives.
Every person is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his/her religion or belief, and freedom to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance. In the process of observing this, it must be within the ambit of law and carried out in such a manner that rights of others are not infringe upon.
Persons have the right to freely associated form or belong to a political party, trade union or any association for the protection of his interest provided it is not in conflict with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Commission is poised to promote and protect rights of the citizenry which is the reasons for this thematic area of focus to carry out research and look in-depth to issues that emanate from area so as to address them squarely. The thematic area also organises seminars and workshops to sensitize the public on their rights.
In achieving the above, we collaborate with Faith based organisations, CSOs and NGOs working for a common goal.