A Nigerien delegation, led by Minister of Justice and Human Rights Alio Daouda, arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 3, 2026, for the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (EPU). On Monday, May 4, 2026, Minister Alio Daouda reaffirmed Niger's unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting fundamental rights before international bodies. During his address, he noted the significant progress made in recent years while candidly acknowledging the remaining challenges that the nation faces. The Minister explicitly stated that the prevailing security situation, primarily exacerbated by persistent terrorist attacks, remains the main and most formidable obstacle to the full realization of human rights within the country. This key review provides an invaluable opportunity for Niger to transparently present its human rights record and to engage constructively with the international community on these critical and pressing issues. The delegation's presence in Geneva shows Niger's dedication to international cooperation and its willingness to subject its human rights practices to scrutiny.
Legal and Institutional Advancements
The adoption of the Charter of Refoundation in March 2025 stands as a fundamental pillar of institutional transformation, profoundly shaping the legal landscape and enshrining human rights with constitutional value. This landmark legal framework has provided the impetus for significant legislative activity, resulting in the adoption of over forty (40) new legal texts between 2021 and 2026. These legislative reforms aim to modernize and strengthen the country's legal system, ensuring greater alignment with international human rights standards. Among these key legislative developments, the new Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure were promulgated in February 2026, updating key aspects of the nation's justice system and reinforcing due process.
Niger has also placed a strong emphasis on reinforcing its institutional landscape to better safeguard human rights and ensure good governance. Bodies such as the State Court, the Court of Auditors, the National Observatory of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the National Commission for the Fight Against Economic and Financial Delinquency have been either newly created or significantly strengthened. These institutions play a key role in upholding the rule of law, promoting transparency, and protecting citizens' rights. In 2022, a full national operationalization plan was adopted to structure the systematic implementation of various recommendations received from international bodies, demonstrating a methodical and committed approach to legal and institutional reform. In a significant move to protect its youngest citizens, the digitalization of the child protection system has been made fully operational across all eight regions of the country, enhancing the reach and efficiency of protective measures for children and ensuring better monitoring and response capabilities.
Commitment to Previous Recommendations
Niger has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing recommendations from previous cycles of the Universal Periodic Review (EPU) process. This commitment is evidenced by the nation's proactive engagement and its high acceptance rate of past recommendations. During the preceding EPU cycle, Niger accepted an impressive 248 out of the 254 recommendations presented. This high acceptance rate unequivocally notes Niger's willingness to engage with, and integrate, international human rights standards into its national policies and practices.
According to official reports, approximately 90% of the accepted recommendations have been fully implemented, reflecting a strong effort to translate commitments into tangible actions on the ground. An additional 7% of these recommendations have seen partial implementation, indicating ongoing efforts and progress toward their full realization. Only 3% of the accepted recommendations remain pending, a remarkably low figure that reflects a high rate of follow-through on its international human rights obligations. This systematic and diligent approach to addressing past recommendations shows the country's dedication to continuously improving its human rights record and fostering a culture of accountability.
Socio-Economic and Health Initiatives
Beyond legal and institutional reforms, Niger's government has made substantial investments in socio-economic development, particularly in education and healthcare, to enhance the quality of life for its citizens. In the education sector, the government has invested significantly in establishing new educational institutions, including scientific colleges and high schools, with the aim of expanding access to learning opportunities across the entire country, even in remote areas. To further bolster the education sector's capacity and address the growing student population, over 11,000 contractual teachers have been recruited, ensuring that more children have access to qualified educators.
In the key area of healthcare, efforts have been made to decentralize and improve access to medical services. More than 1,500 integrated health centers and approximately sixty hospitals are now distributed throughout the national territory, aiming to provide essential medical services closer to the population. These efforts have yielded positive results, with maternal and infant mortality rates showing a progressive decrease, indicating tangible improvements in public health outcomes and the effectiveness of health interventions. Additionally, the government has implemented vital measures to provide free healthcare for certain essential services, including childbirth, thereby reducing financial barriers to critical medical care and ensuring that vulnerable populations can access necessary treatment without undue economic burden.
Challenges and Security Context
Addressing societal challenges, the Nigerien government has enacted a prohibition on marriage before 18 years for both girls and boys, a significant step towards protecting children's rights and promoting gender equality. However, the nation continues to grapple with severe security challenges. Terrorist attacks have had devastating consequences, resulting in massive population displacements, the forced closure of essential infrastructure such as schools and health centers, and regrettable but necessary restrictions on certain freedoms within the country. Authorities state that any restrictive measures on civil liberties are strictly temporary and are applied proportionately. These measures are reportedly motivated by the imperative need to preserve national security and maintain social cohesion in the face of ongoing and severe threats posed by extremist groups, ensuring the safety and stability of the population.