The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) recently participated in the Network for African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) Forum, held from October 15-16, 2024, in Banjul, The Gambia, alongside the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The forum, themed "The Role of African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Strengthening Accountability, Promotion, and Protection of Human Rights in Africa," provided a platform for collaboration between NHRIs and Parliamentarians.
The NANHRI Forum focused on strategies for advancing human rights across the continent, with discussions on how partnerships between NHRIs and parliamentarians can further Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Agenda 2063 Goal 11 (Democratic Values, Human Rights, Justice, and the Rule of Law).
In his address at the forum's opening session, Hon. Jean Marie Nibirantije, Chairperson of PAP’s Committee on Justice and Human Rights, emphasized PAP’s key role in facilitating the implementation of human rights decisions. He highlighted the PAP's capacity to mobilize national and regional parliaments, making it a vital partner in ensuring human rights are upheld across Africa.
“The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) can use its moral influence to address cases where member states fail to comply with human rights decisions. PAP can take parliamentary action by mandating its members to raise oral or written questions with national ministers or organize hearings with representatives of non-compliant states,” Hon. Nibirantije explained.
Throughout the forum, the PAP delegation delivered key presentations, including one on PAP’s role and mandate in human rights. They led discussions on applying a Human Rights-Based Approach to the implementation of SDG 16 and Agenda 2063 Goal 11, sharing insights on PAP’s strategies for integrating human rights into legislative frameworks, addressing challenges, and promoting accountability mechanisms across the continent.
The forum also featured thematic discussions on contemporary human rights issues, such as the prevention of torture, socio-economic rights, and the protection of vulnerable groups. The PAP delegation contributed by sharing its experience in developing model laws to guide national legislation and promote parliamentary oversight in implementing human rights decisions.
The PAP delegation further engaged in a series of networking activities, including a strategic bilateral meeting with NANHRI and other leading African Human Rights Institutions. These engagements provided opportunities to strengthen partnerships, exchange best practices, and explore joint initiatives to enhance human rights promotion and protection across Africa. By fostering these relationships, the PAP reiterated its commitment to working with key human rights bodies to address emerging challenges and reinforce accountability mechanisms on the continent.
NANHRI, an umbrella organization of 47 African NHRIs, promotes coordination and collaboration among its members, regional bodies, and international human rights mechanisms. Its mission is to strengthen the role of NHRIs as independent entities responsible for protecting and promoting human rights within their jurisdictions.
The partnership between PAP and NANHRI represents a significant step in reinforcing governance and human rights protection across Africa, aligning with the mutual goals of SDG 16 and Agenda 2063 to build accountable institutions and uphold the rule of law.
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