The President of the Republic of Niger, Army General Abdourahamane Tiani, signed an ordinance on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, establishing the National Observatory for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ONDH/LF).
Provided for under Article 72 of the Charter of Refoundation, this institution's main mission is to promote and protect human rights throughout Niger.
According to the official statement, the Observatory will notably be responsible for ensuring respect for the rights of persons deprived of their liberty. To this end, it will conduct regular visits, announced or unannounced, to places of detention, with the exception of the State Security Council, and make recommendations to the competent authorities.
The institution will also regularly examine the situation of people held in penitentiary facilities in order to strengthen their protection against torture, as well as cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment and treatment.
The ONDH/LF will also be tasked with providing or facilitating legal assistance to victims of human rights violations, particularly women, children, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
In terms of monitoring, the Observatory will be responsible for bringing cases of human rights violations to the government's attention. It will also contribute to the promotion of these rights through education, information, and communication activities throughout the country.
Its responsibilities also include organizing awareness campaigns related to the Refoundation, as well as raising public awareness of the Charter of Refoundation and the values it promotes. Finally, the institution will be able to issue opinions and make recommendations to public authorities on human rights issues.
The Observatory will be headed by a president appointed by decree of the Head of State. Members of the institution, as well as anyone who has participated in its work, will be bound by professional confidentiality.
With this ordinance, the Nigerien authorities are establishing a new body dedicated to monitoring, promoting, and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
