The Second Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Hon.Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has reaffirmed the Pan-African Parliamentโs collective commitment to advancing human dignity, democratic governance, justice, peace, and the protection of the rights of all African people.
Speaking during the Opening Ceremony of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Banjul, The Gambia, and representing the President of the Pan-African Parliament, she emphasized that human rights are not abstract principles, but are about whether a child can access education safely; whether a woman can access medical care; whether a woman can participate fully in public life without fear; whether young people can find opportunity and inclusion instead of frustration and exclusion; and whether citizens can speak freely, organize peacefully, and trust the very institutions meant to protect them.
Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP observed that the Ordinary Session is taking place at a time that calls for deep reflection, but also courageous action, noting that, โAcross our continent, many of our people continue to face significant challenges: from conflict and violent extremism to unconstitutional changes of government, economic hardship, forced displacement, rising inequality, climate insecurity, and growing mistrust in institutionsโ.
On peace and security, she indicated that peace and security cannot be separated from governance and human rights, pointing out that, โWhere justice is absent, instability grows. Where exclusion persists, insecurity deepens. Where institutions fail to protect the dignity and rights of citizens, trust erodes and tensions rise. It is therefore essential that we strengthen the link between the African Governance Architecture and the African Peace and Security Architectureโ.
โToo often, we approach governance, peacebuilding, and security as separate conversations, when in reality they are connected. Sustainable peace requires accountable governance. Democratic governance requires respect for human rights. And strong institutions are essential for both stability and development,โ she indicated.
