The Speaker of the Senate of Côte d’Ivoire, Rt. Hon. Kandia Camara has praised the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) for its ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions of Africa’s most vulnerable populations. Speaking during an audience with members of the PAP’s Permanent Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities, the Senate leader lauded the continental legislative body’s dedication to advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.
The PAP delegation is in Côte d’Ivoire for a two-day advocacy mission aimed at promoting the ratification and domestication of key African Union (AU) protocols. These include the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons, the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security.
“The Pan-African Parliament, with its unique role within the African Union and its representation of the entire continent, is perfectly positioned to champion the rights of all Africans, ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Rt. Hon. Camara. “I am encouraged by the steps being taken to promote protocols that safeguard the welfare of older persons, persons with disabilities, women, and girls. The Senate is committed to providing legislative support as the PAP Committee engages with ministries, departments, and civil society organizations here in Côte d’Ivoire.”
Rt. Hon. Camara also underscored the PAP’s critical role in facilitating the implementation of AU policies and programs, as well as in harmonizing laws across member states in alignment with AU legal and policy frameworks.
Before the audience with the Senate Speaker, the PAP delegation attended a plenary session that included a briefing by Côte d’Ivoire’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH). The CNDH report highlighted significant progress in various human rights categories, particularly civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. However, it also acknowledged existing challenges, particularly in health, education, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Hon. Mariam Dao Gabala, Chairperson of the PAP Permanent Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities, expressed her gratitude to the Ivorian Senate for its commitment to promoting justice, equality, and equity. “While many legal instruments have been adopted and sometimes integrated into national legislation around the continent, their effective implementation remains a challenge,” said Hon. Dao Gabala. “Parliamentarians must engage member states and stakeholders to ensure universal ratification and full implementation of these critical legal instruments, which are essential for sustainable development and poverty alleviation.”
She highlighted the urgency of the mission, noting that the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons has only received 14 ratifications, while the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which came into force in April 2024, has garnered just 15 ratifications. The AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security is yet to be ratified by any member states.
AU Protocols of Focus in Côte d’Ivoire:
- Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons: Traditionally, older persons in Africa were revered for their wisdom and cultural stewardship. However, modernization and urbanization have weakened traditional support systems, creating new challenges for the elderly. The AU recognizes that ageing is a pressing development issue as Africa’s demographic of older persons grows.
- Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities & Model Law on Disability: This protocol was created to address gaps in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and adapt provisions to the African context. In 2019, the PAP adopted a Model Law on Disability to support the domestication and implementation of the protocol, aiming to promote the full participation of people with disabilities in Africa’s socio-economic development.
- Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security: This protocol forms part of the AU’s broader agenda for socio-economic development and integration. It aims to address poverty, inequality, and social exclusion by strengthening social protection systems across Africa. Comprehensive social safety nets are essential to tackling high levels of poverty, unemployment, and informal labor in many member states.
The PAP delegation of the Committee on Gender on this mission includes Hon. Mariam Dao Gabala (Chairperson and Mission Leader), Hon. Khadija Arouhal (Deputy Chairperson, Morocco), Hon. Rachel Yassindali (Rapporteur, Central African Republic), and Hon. Fatoumatta Njai (Member, Gambia). They are joined by members of Côte d’Ivoire’s delegation to the PAP: Hon. Traoré Mariame, Sen. Kouadio Kouakou Bertin, and Hon. Lazare Yao Yao. The mission is supported by a team of the PAP Secretariat led by the Deputy Clerk in charge of Legislative Business and Conferences, Mr. Gali Massa Harou, as well as technical staff from both the Senate and National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire.
