WIDESPREAD VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHT TO LIFE: AN OVERVIEW OF STRATEGIC PROSECUTORIAL AND INVESTIGATIVE GUIDELINES

Abstract

Widespread violation of human right to life over the years has plunge the various developing countries into a protracted security dilemma. To enhance socio-economic development in any community, the safety of the indigenes and foreign investors is a paramount factor. Hence, the international treaties and conventions on the rights and security of human beings across the world. Article 6(1) of International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, 1966, declare that: “Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.” The legislature is obliged to adopt series of strategies to tackle the menace and facilitate efficient criminal justice dispensation. However, it is observed that the crime control system of many developing countries demand strategic restructuring towards efficient investigation and prosecution of offenders, as a large percentage of perpetrators are usually undetected and unpunished. The paper contended that the investigators must respect, protect and uphold the universal concept of human dignity and human rights, and exercise the highest standards of integrity and care in the course of their duties. In this regard, the paper recommended series of rules and strategies that must be considered in the investigatory and prosecution process. Using primary and secondary sources of law including case law and relevant internet materials, the paper reviewed relevant international, judicial and statutory authorities in recommending that investigators and prosecutors must be well-informed and adequately equipped for their tasks.