5th regional consultation of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in West Africa, under the theme; “State of NHRIs in West Africa: 30 years after the Adoption of the Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions
Banjul, The Gambia, 07 June 2023: The Network of NHRIs in West Africa with the technical and financial support of the ECOWAS Commission, OHCHR and UNOWAS is holding it’s annual regional meeting in Banjul from 7-9 June, with over 30 participants from the region. The opening ceremony took place at the Banjul International Conference Center and was presided over by , the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, Honorable Dawda A. Jallow. Other speakers included Ms. Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mr. Robert Kotchani, Regional Representative of the OHCHR in west Africa, Mr. Ebenezer Asiedu, Representative of the ECOWAS Commission, Commissioner Whittal, Chairperson of the NNHRI- in West Africa, Commissioner Emmanuel Daniel Joof, Chairperson of the NHRI of The Gambia, hosting the event and delegations from the West Africa sub region. The aim of the meeting is to enhance advocacy for strong and operational NHRIs.
During his opening statement, the Honorable Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, thanked participants and welcomed the holding of the meeting in a ‘‘critical context for human rights in West Africa’’. He commended the crucial role of NHRIs and requested them to uphold principles of accountability and transparency in their functioning and activities. The Regional Representative of OHCHR in West Africa awarded Human Rights and SDG pins to the Honorable Minister of Justice and to the Chairperson of the NHRI of The Gambia as a token of encouragement for The Gambia’s efforts in the Truth and Reconciliation process and in the area of human rights. The meeting was also an opportunity for Mr. Kotchani to elaborate on the key content of the UDHR and recall the global campaign to celebrate 75 years of the instrument.
In his remarks Mr. Joseph Whittal, President of the network of NHRIs in west Africa stated that “Our reflections on the 30th Anniversary of the Paris Principles should engage our attention in how to overcome the Paris Principles Criteria of effectiveness deficit among our NHRIs and how to strengthen even further those NHRIs which seem to meet the basic minimum criteria of effectiveness test.” In West Africa 16 Countries on 15 have established NHRIs and that eleven of them have status “A” under the Paris Principles Assessment of effectiveness, these are minimum standards and that under each of the criteria set down a lot can be done to strengthen our NHRIs even with “A” status accreditation with more robust legal frameworks, better budget outlays etc.
Commissioner Emmanuel Daniel Joof, Chairperson of the NHRI of The Gambia, said: “This 5th regional consultation by the NNHRI-WA held in Banjul, Gambia, is under the theme; “State of NHRIs in West Africa: 30 years after the Adoption of the Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions (UN Paris Principles)”. Ladies and Gentlemen, the work of NHRIs all over the world is anchored on the UDHR’ fundamental values. In West Africa and the Sahel, NHRIs continue to play an important role in promoting and protecting human rights within their respective jurisdictions in an increasing challenging environment as they grapple with a myriad of human problems in the sub-region. I am sure you will agree with me that we have our work cut out for us.
Other equally relevant agenda items include rule of law and democratic governance with a focus on, the impact on the respect of human rights on instrumentalization of the justice system, the mainstreaming of human rights in the fight against terrorism, NHRIs engagement in democracy and consolidation of civic space and how NHRIs can promote inclusive electoral processes in West Africa and the Sahel. Other Items such as, enhancement of partnership with CSOs, the design and implementation of National Action Plans on Business & Human Rights and human rights in the context of migration in West Africa and how to strengthen implementation of the Global Compact on Migration will also be discussed.
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