Niger human rights crisis after 2023 coup: key concerns ahead of 2026 review

This report has been compiled for the Niger Universal Periodic Review (UPR), scheduled for April-May 2026. It assesses the country’s progress in implementing recommendations from its last UPR, with a sharp focus on arbitrary detentions, unlawful arrests, the plight of human rights defenders, and press freedom challenges.

The analysis also scrutinizes Niger’s national human rights framework, particularly in relation to the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the protection of journalists. The findings highlight critical gaps between legal commitments and on-the-ground realities, raising urgent concerns about the erosion of civic freedoms since the 2023 political transition.