The United Kingdom says it is reviewing all evidence concerning the petition seeking a sanction against the federal government over the #EndSARS protests.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, however, said it does not “publicly speculate on future sanctions designations”.
The petition on the UK government and parliament website had accused the government and the police of violating the rights of agitators demonstrating against police brutality.
It urged the UK to implement sanctions that allow “individuals and entities that violate human rights around the world to be targeted,” saying such would “provide accountability for and be a deterrent to anyone involved in violations of human rights”.
In its response on Wednesday, the UK said while it was
concerned by violence during the protests, it awaits the outcome of Nigerian
investigations into reports of police brutality.
It, however, added: “The UK Government will keep all
evidence and potential listings under close review.”
The UK said it will continue to work with the Nigerian
government and international and civil society partners “to support justice,
accountability and a more responsive policing model in Nigeria”.
“On 6 July, the Government established the Global Human
Rights sanctions regime by laying regulations in Parliament under the Sanctions
and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018,” the response read.
“The sanctions regime is not intended to target individual
countries. It will allow for sanctions to be imposed on individuals and
entities involved in serious human rights violations or abuses around the
world.
“We will continue to consider potential designations under
the Global Human Rights sanctions regime. It is longstanding practice not to
speculate on future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce the impact
of the designations.”
During the #EndSARS protests, Catriona Laing, British high
commissioner to Nigeria, had called for accountability over alleged human rights
violations reported against the defunct special anti-robbery squad (SARS).
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