Rape is a war crime since the Bosnian conflict, but is not recognised in Irish refugee and asylum procedures because they cling to the narrow interpretations of the 1951 Geneva Convention. Ask yourself whether you'd like to live in Nigeria. Independent UN evidence asserts that in 2000 summary justice led to the killings of hundreds of people and to widespread rape. Its laws are a mess. The overlay of tribal law, British common law and the rising sharia make it difficult for individuals t o receive justice.
Christians are increasingly at risk.
Years of military rule ended when a series of deaths removed the main governmental players, along with the opposition leader. But despite being under the titular civilian authority of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the police and military retain considerable power. Even if it was returned to Nigeria, local commentators argue there is no reason to believe it would be reinvested equitably, or used to begin a national literacy programme, determined by regional need. Nigeria's petrodollars make it an important strategic US concern, yet not enough for it to press him to introduce necessary democratic change. The only good news about Nigeria is the US Supreme Court's decision last month to allow the relatives of the executed writer, Ken Saro-Wiwa, to pursue their civil action for damages against Royal Dutch Shell.