NIAMEY, NIGER (HRNW) — Niger has rejected a number of human-rights recommendations made during its United Nations Universal Periodic Review, according to Human Rights Watch.

In a September 25 report, Human Rights Watch said Niger rejected recommendations addressing arbitrary detention, discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and accountability for serious human-rights violations.

The Universal Periodic Review is a UN Human Rights Council mechanism through which the human-rights records of UN member states are examined by other member countries.

Human Rights Watch said Niger’s latest position raises concerns about the government’s approach to recommendations concerning fundamental rights and accountability.

The organization also highlighted recommendations concerning the treatment of detainees and protections for vulnerable groups.

The review takes place against the background of continuing political changes in Niger following the country’s 2023 military takeover.

Human Rights Watch has previously raised concerns over restrictions affecting political opponents, journalists, civil-society organizations and other critics.

The organization said the government rejected calls related to arbitrary detention, an issue that remains significant in the country’s current human-rights environment.

It also noted the rejection of recommendations concerning discrimination against LGBT people.

Human Rights Watch said Niger’s authorities should cooperate with international human-rights mechanisms and take concrete steps to address serious rights concerns.

The UN review process allows governments to respond formally to recommendations made by other UN member states.

The latest response therefore provides an indication of which recommendations Niger is prepared to accept and which it does not intend to implement.

Human Rights Watch urged Niger to reconsider recommendations related to detention, discrimination and accountability.

The organization also called for greater respect for international human-rights standards and stronger safeguards for people affected by state actions.

The developments are expected to remain part of international monitoring of Niger’s human-rights situation.

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Disclaimer

This article is based on Human Rights Watch’s September 25, 2026 assessment of Niger’s response to recommendations made through the UN Universal Periodic Review. The characterization of individual recommendations and their human-rights implications is attributed to Human Rights Watch.