By Kumba Leigh
The 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) is underway at the Sir Dawda Kairab Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, where representatives of member states are assessing human rights situations in the continent. The forum affords stakeholders the opportunity to meet and discuss issues of human rights and the measures required to enhance human rights promotion, and protection. Speaking at the opening of the event, Executive Director of African Centre for Democracies and Human Rights Studies, Madam Hannah Foster, on behalf of the NGOs steering committee, said as per their recent findings on the human rights violations, Africa continues to face serious human rights challenges, characterised by conflict, insecurity, violence, the rise of cases of violations of women’s rights, poverty against the indigenous groups, internal political strife, the taking of arms by rebels, extrajudicial killings, amongst others. She reiterated the Commission’s call on member states to observe their obligations and ensure that they nurture peace and stability and observe the tenets of democracy. Making referecne to Sudan, the Executive Director lamented: “The situation of human rights violations in Sudan continues to be a cause for concern; especially the continuous clashes between the two state parties”.
She urged the commission to dispatch a mission in Sudan, in accordance with recommendation and report by the independent fact-finding mission to Sudan, and in accordance with the Addis Ababa roadmap, to ensure that there is cross-fertilisation of accountability efforts of both the AU and the UN. Madam Foster also mentioned the unconstitutional changes of governments and the accompanying “serious and massive human rights violations perpetrated against civilian population”. She concluded with a call to intensify the fight against corruption and inequality in the continent. For his part, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, H.E. Olof Skoog, called for greater commitment in all human rights reforms, and to strive for peace and respect for the rule of law, stressing that conflicts lead to severe human rights violations.
The Attorney General and Minster of Justice, Hon. Dawda Jallow, emphasised the need for respect of human rights anchored on good governance, democracy and rule of law. “By fostering inclusive, just, and equitable societies, Africa can achieve lasting development and reclaim its cultural identity by standing strong in a crucial stage,” the Justice Minister added.
Patience Chiradza, AU Commission Chairperson Representative, said they have seen inspiring advancements in democratic governments in the past years, but confronted with some human rights challenges. The Commission was established under the African Charter in 1987 in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and since then, many African countries including The Gambia, have achieved tremendous progress in human rights.
