HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES
In ensuring human rights for all, TIERs has made strides in 2024 that has moved us closer to our goals
As we close out the year 2024, we are reminded of the efforts and support of our funders, staff and volunteers that have helped to move us closer to our goal of creating a society where human rights are guaranteed for all no matter their race, sexual orientation or gender expression.
The 10th Annual Human Rights, Sexuality, and the Law Symposium
On the 13th of December 2024, The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), successfully hosted the 10th Annual Human Rights, Sexuality, and the Law Symposium in Abuja at the NHRC headquarters. This landmark event, held in commemoration of International Human Rights Day, provided a crucial platform to address the realities of human rights violations experienced by marginalised groups and vulnerable key populations across Nigeria. The activities included a panel discussion where panelists talked about Challenges and Opportunities for Nigerian Institutions in Upholding Human Rights. We also launched the 11th Human Rights Violations report and the Social Perception Survey to our audience made up of civil society organizations, representatives from foreign embassies and human rights activists. In line with this year’s international human’s day theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” Nigerian Human rights organizations and civil society call on the Nigerian government and its institutions to clamp down on anti-rights practices right now to ensure a future that is inclusive and thriving for all Nigerians.
Launch of the 2024 Human Rights Violations report along with some of our report partners
Mr Hilary Ogbonna – Senior Human Rights Advisor, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Members of Civil Society Organizations and Human Rights Activists in attendance
Representatives of foreign embassies and TIERs staff
Panelists during our panel discussion. (L-R) Mr Hilary Ogbonna, Professor Olayinka Atilola, Ahmad Shuaibu Balarabe, Augusta Aondoaver Yaakugh, and the moderator, Oniyide Oluwaseun
In addition to our existing partners, we collaborated with new funders who are providing support for the work we do.
GiveOut provided us with support that ensures we continue to run our operations smoothly.
COC Nederland sponsored workshops where the National Human Rights Commission trained our team on how to better record and package our annual Human Rights Violations report. PEPFAR’s funding has helped us in scaling up access to HIV services and information for key populations, through a digital intervention approach. ViiV Healthcare gave us a multi-year funding to address anti-discriminatory advocacy in mainstream healthcare facilities.
Through the dedication of the TIERs Sexual Health and Wellness Team, we have been able to get our viral load percentage to 100% as at the end of 2024
HEFAMAA registration
In January 2024 TIERs One Stop Shop Clinic was certified by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA). An agency responsible for standardization and regulation of public and private health facility in Lagos state. This certification has allowed TIERs enhance our healthcare services to marginalized populations, reinforcing our mission of providing comprehensive sexual health services.
TIERs Open House
TIERs held an Open House event every month from February that brings together members of the LGBTQIA+ community to encourage dialogue, networking, consuming and critiquing queer art, unwinding and knowledge-sharing among members of the community. This event established TIERs Wellness Clinic as a community centre where people can also access services ranging from healthcare to reporting human rights violations.
Staff Welfare
To support TIERs’ growing operations and meet strategic goals, we have actively recruited for the positions of Finance Associate, HR Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Medical Officer, Legal Officer, Front Desk/Community Facilitator, IT Specialist, and interns. These additions are essential for TIERs’ expansion, allowing us to establish robust structures, streamline processes, and sustain our core advocacy and support programs.
To safeguard our staff’s wellbeing, we have upgraded and maintained the HMO and Life Insurance for all staff. We also reviewed our organizational policies to ensure that all our processes support our staff and the community we serve. Upgrading our digital asset management and operational processes, we have improved collaboration and productivity across the organization.
To support the wellbeing of our staff, we provided access to mental health therapy, particularly during instances of online harassment directed at both the organization and its team members due to the nature of our work. For example, during the misinformation surrounding the Samoan Agreement, we ensured our staff received the necessary care to navigate the challenges of such targeted attacks. This initiative reflects our commitment to prioritizing staff welfare and resilience in the face of adversity.
New Recruitment
Through reports, research and storytelling, we gave visibility to authentic Nigerian LGBTQIA+ stories. We told our story which made the community feel seen.
Click images below to watch or download
Q Convos, A ground-breaking podcast that explores the lives of queer persons living in Nigeria
Rights Under Arrest – A report about the impact of the SSMPA on LGBTQIA+ individuals and organizations
She, He, They – A web series about the lives of four queer friends and housemates in Lagos, Nigeria
Through reports made via our emergency helpline and other means, we were able to provide legal aid to community members.
Our work included monitoring the Kito-9 case involving a criminal gang targeting queer individuals. When a man wrongfully implicated in the case reached out for help, TIERs intervened, providing legal aid and securing his release after he was cleared of all accusations due to lack of evidence. Similarly, we petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and provided financial and legal support for a queer man who was tortured and treated inhumanely by police under false fraud accusations. His case against the police and accusers remains in court.
Additionally, TIERs offered legal counsel to a queer man who faced harassment and threats from a gang member at his school, as well as to a trans woman denied her academic results by her institution despite attending classes. We also secured bail for individuals in vulnerable situations, including a homeless queer man arrested by the Lagos State task force and two queer couples who faced harassment from family and neighbors.
Our advocacy extended to cases of wrongful eviction, such as supporting a queer woman and her son in recovering rent after being attacked by their neighbors and caretaker. TIERs also mediated a dispute between two trans women, offering legal guidance to resolve accusations of theft. Through these efforts, TIERs remains steadfast in its mission to uphold justice and address systemic discrimination faced by vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
Diversifying Funding Opportunities
In a significant step towards diversifying our funding streams and expanding our global reach, we successfully launched our campaign on GlobalGiving this December. This platform will enable us to connect with international supporters and mobilize resources to further our mission. Additionally, we established a Paystack profile, enabling seamless donations from Nigerian-based contributors. These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring sustainable resources to amplify our impact and foster inclusive growth.
To support the work we do, click the links below to donate
We are proud of what we have achieved in the year 2024 and look forward to doing more for the community we serve in the coming year.
From the TIERs team
