c) to provide the NM with the tools necessary to integrate human rights practices into their codes, education systems, field training and disciplinary systems. d) to provide a sustainable platform for local and international human rights organisations to constructively engage the NM on human rights concerns. Broadly, the Dialogue seeks to contribute to three overarching goals of the NHRC. The promotion of human rights awareness, in this instance within the Nigerian Military; the prevention of human rights violation, specifically in areas of military operation thereby potentially obviating the need for the Commissions intervention; and the speedy resolution of communications alleging human rights violations against the NM. This progress report covers the period from August 2015- June 2016. During this period there were three sessions of the dialogue. Participants in each of the sessions included senior military officials representing the Nigerian Army, Navy and the Airforce, officials of the NHRC and the Federal Ministry of Justice. There were several smaller meetings convened by the facilitator to seek clarification on emerging issues or in response to new allegations of misconduct against military personnel. One of the sessions was open to the civil society organisations, complainants, the media and the public. The agenda for the dialogue was identified by the National Human Rights Commission. This was the outcome of long preparations and consultations undertaken ahead of the dialogue. The agenda items were specifically tailored to as far as possible provide preliminary information on many of the complaints received by the Commission. The following are the important findings and recommendations from the dialogue as identified by the facilitator. Findings and Recommendations (1) The Nigerian military is overstretched and deeply challenged in its primary function of defending Nigeria and her citizens. For a country of over 170 million people facing several security challenges – from an Islamist insurgency in the north east to a resource-based conflict in the Niger Delta –in addition to several internal security operations. (1.1) There is the need for the Federal government and Service Chiefs, working with the National Assembly, civil society and international partners, to implement comprehensive defence sector reform, including clear identification of security challenges; a new defence and security policy and structure to address them; and drastic improvement in leadership, oversight, administration and accountability across the sector. (1.2) The Federal Government of Nigeria should give urgent consideration to embarking on fundamental reforms in the administration of our criminal justice system. Limitations in policing, weaknesses in prosecution and the absence of an effective penal system places unnecessary pressure on the Nigerian Military. The Nigerian Military should not be asked to take on the role of the Nigeria Police and the Prisons Service. The overlap of mandates is primary responsible for allegations of rights violations against the Military. (2) Perception of Nigerian military’s poor human rights record has had a debilitating impacton effectiveness. It must be disempowering for the military high command to be consistently confronted with allegations of rights violations in the midst of responding to serious security challenges affecting the country. In addition to time and resources spent on conducting investigations in response to allegations of rights violations, the ability of the 34