Human Rights Council holds general debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance
15 June 2010
The Human Rights Council held a general debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance and follow up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It also concluded its general debate on follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
Speakers in the general debate on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action reiterated their commitment to fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, which remained a priority in the human rights agenda. All forms of racism must be combated with equal force and more effective tools must be generated to enhance worldwide cooperation on that matter. Despite the significant progress towards evolving normative standards and instruments against different forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, there continued to be persistence of old forms of racism as well as the emergence of new ones. Defamation of religions was the latest manifestation of discrimination, intolerance and xenophobia. If the scourge of racism and racial discrimination was still to be eliminated, greater political tenacity of Governments was needed. It was imperative for all concerned to strive to bridge the gaps in the existing international instruments for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance though a number of measures, including the provision of support and technical assistance to States as appropriate.
Speaking in the general debate on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action were representatives of Spain on behalf of the European Union, Sudan on behalf of the Arab Group, Nigeria on behalf of the African Group, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Chile, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United States, Ethiopia and Venezuela.
Also speaking were the following non-governmental organizations: Liberation, International Humanist and Ethical Union, France Libertés: Fondation Danielle Mitterand in a joint statement, Movement contre le racisme et pour l’amitie entre les peoples, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, North-South XXI, International Educational Development, United Nations Watch, Action internationale pour la paix et le développement dans la region des Grand Lacs, World Union for Progressive Judaism, Comité International pour le Respect et l'Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l'Homme et des Peuples, Cercle de Recherche sur les Droits et les Devoirs de la Personne Humaine, Indian Council of South America and Association for World Education.
In the general debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, speakers noted that 17 years after its adoption, the Vienna Declaration Action Plan remained a fundamental reference in the human rights agenda and one of the foremost instruments for the guidance of the international community in the protection and promotion of human rights for all. It reaffirmed the obligation of every State to create favourable conditions to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by everyone, and to make every effort to eliminate all violations of human rights and their causes. To realise the vision of the Vienna Declaration, the Council must respond to human rights concerns and ensure that implementation of the international obligations of all States was properly monitored and that human rights commitments entered into by States were met. The Council's core function was to provide a forum for honest and open dialogue among States, and to give voice to, and fully protect, the rights of individuals wherever they lived. Some speakers said that the several cross-regional joint statements heard today were crucial in sending the message about this Council’s ability to address critical human rights situations collectively and constructively.
Speaking in the general debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action were representatives of Norway on behalf of 55 countries, Indonesia, Italy, United States, United Kingdom, Russian Federation on behalf of 36 countries and the Holy See, Argentina on behalf of MERCOSUR, Cuba, Algeria, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Lebanon and Syria.
Also speaking were the following non-governmental organizations: Marangopolous Foundation for Human Rights in a joint statement, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network in a joint statement, World Federation of Trade Unions, Amnesty International, Action internationale pour la paix et le développement dans la region des Grand Lacs, International humanist and Ethical Union, United Nations Watch, International Club for Peace Research, International Educational Development Inc., France Libertés: Fondation Danielle Mitterrand in a joint statement, Centrist Democratic International, Comité International pour le Respect et l’Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples, Union de l’action feminine, Indian Council of South America, World Union of Progressive Judaism and Association of World Citizens.
Kenya /Post –election violence: UN human rights chief calls for Special Tribunal to fight impunity
UN human rights Chief Navi Pillay on Tuesday urged the Government of Kenya to try once again to establish a Special Tribunal to fight against “the current almost total lack of accountability for the terrible events that took place in the wake of the (December 2007) elections.”
At the end of the three-day visit to Kenya, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed the involvement of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the investigations, but warned that its role is limited .“The ICC will only be able to address a small number of high profile cases of people suspected of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide,” Pillay said.
“With some 1,300 people believed killed, widespread rape,arson,robbery and other crimes to account for, “stressed the UN human rights chief , “The ICC cases will not be sufficient to draw a line under the post-election violence.”
Press Conference by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, Nairobi, 8 June 2010 Opening Statement
The High Commissioner for Human Rights,Navi Pillay in her opening statement during a press conference in Nairobi warmly welcomed the fact that the proposed Constitution contains a comprehensive Bill of Rights that is sound on fundamental freedoms, especially in the key area of non-discrimination, and includes a strong platform for bolstering economic, social and cultural rights. She also noted the fact that the Bill of Rights is designated as one of the elements that cannot be tinkered with by governments or parliamentarians who suddenly find it personally or politically inconvenient. Once enacted, it can only be changed by another referendum....for more click http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/media.aspxIsMediaPage=truess
New ICC Chairperson Ms Rosslyn Noonan
At its 23rd meeting, held in Geneva from 23 to 25 March 2010, the ICC unanimously elected Ms Rosslyn Noonan from New Zealand as new ICC Chairperson.
Rosslyn Noonan took up a five-year appointment as Chief Human Rights Commissioner of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission on 17 May 2001. Her tenure was extended a further five years on 1 June 2006. She has headed the New Zealand Human Rights Commission during a period of significant change.
Ms Noonan came to the New Zealand Human Rights Commission from the position of Trade Union and Human Rights Co-ordinator with Education International. Based in Brussels for four years, she worked with the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the International Labour Organisation and other intergovernmental agencies and with education unions in the Balkans, in Africa and in Asia. She also has extensive experience in the New Zealand trade union movement.
Ms Rosslyn Noonan`s closing address to ICC23 after her election as new ICC Chairperson
President Mugabe Swears in Rights Group and Electoral Commission’s Chiefs, Commissioners
On April 1, 2010, Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe swore in members of the Human Rights Commission and Electoral Commission, expected to steer reforms towards free and fair elections.
The Electoral Commission will be headed by Simpson Mutambanengwe, a former Zimbabwean Supreme Court judge who was serving as acting Chief Justice in the Namibian Supreme Court. The Human Rights Commission, the first body tasked with investigating cases of human rights abuses, will be chaired by Reg Austin. Austin is a law professor and former Commonwealth secretariat’s head of legal and constitutional affairs division.
The commissions’ appointments were agreed upon by Prime Minister and MDC Leader Morgan Tsvangirai and President Mugabe.
KNCHR Refutes 'Leaks' Claims
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has released a public statement with regard to allegations carried in the Star Newspaper of 21st April, 2010 and picked by the Nation Newspaper of 22nd April, 2010, with the alarming allegation that there is a KNCHR Commissioner who is leaking information that is jeopardizing the Commission’s Witness Protection Programme.
The Statement categorically refutes such claims, and reiterates that the team-not known even to KNCHR staff members- that has been set up to handle Witness Protection is the only one with access to the said database. It further floats that the people who came forward with these allegations are indeed NOT witnesses being sheltered by the Commission. The Commission’s Chair has pledged utmost commitment to upholding of Justice through accountability. (See the Downloads section for the full statement).
National Human Rights Commission of Mauritania gets new Chair
Bamariam Baba Koita is the incoming NHRC Mauritania Chair. The former Secretary General of the Commission takes over from Ambassador Mohamed Said Ould Hamody.
Kenya Post Poll Chaos 07/08: ICC’s Three Judge Bench gives Louis Moreno-Ocampo Go-Ahead
ICC Chief Prosecutor Louis Moreno-Ocampo addressed a press conference on April 1 2010. The address was transmitted via video link and aired live on most Kenyan stations. This followed the long-awaited ruling, delivered on March 31, buyoed by majority 2 of 3 bench judges that gave Mr. Ocampo the green light to carry out investigations on events that took place between June 1, 2005 and November 26, 2009.
The ICC ruling relied mainly on reports by the Waki Commission, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, reports by non-governmental organizations, international human rights groups and dossiers submitted by the two main political parties-PNU and ODM. Read more...
23rd Session of the International Coordinating Committee of the National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC), 23-25 March 2010
The 23rd Session of the International Coordinating Committee of the National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) was held on 23-25 March 2010 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. The Session was opened by the outgoing ICC Chairperson Ms. Jennifer Lynch, after which the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navi Pillay and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Ms. Helen Clark delivered their initial address. Of particular note were Ms. Clark’s comments on the role the UNDP was playing in the strengthening of regional coordinating bodies of NHRIs.
Ratification of appointment of new ICC Bureau members, review of various committee reports, highlighting of regional best practices: challenges and developments on engagement with regional mechanisms, and regional meetings formed the bulk of activities on the first day. The African Network regional meeting was headed by NANHRI Chairperson Mr. Ahmed Herzenni-Conseil Consultatif des Droits de l’Homme du Maroc. Report updates, Chairperson’s work plan, ICC draft Strategic Plan, and the dissolution of the human rights commission in Niger were discussed. Read more...
AU Endorses ACHPR's Decision, Endorois Community Gets Back Ancestral Land
A court ruling that the government should return land to the Endorois Community, oft believed to be a sub-tribe of the Tugen, has been the cause for extended celebration in Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The Africa Union approved a decision by the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights which found the Kenyan Government guilty of violating the rights of the indigenous Endorois by evicting them from their land in 1974 to make way for a tourism development. Lake Bogoria, a wildlife reserve, was subsequently established.
The ruling creates a major legal precedent by recognizing, for the first time in Africa, indigenous peoples’ rights over traditionally owned land and their right to development.
Sierra Leone: Two Defence Officials Convicted (Press Release)
Two Public Officers of the Ministry of Defence were on Thursday 18th March, 2010 convicted on all counts by the High Court of Sierra Leone presided over by Justice Mary Sey on a three count Indictment. They were jointly charged with; Abuse of Office, contrary to Section 42 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008; Abuse of position, contrary to Section 43 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 and Using Office for Advantage, contrary to Section 44 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008.
The convicted persons are former Director of Procurement Ministry of Defence, Joe Michael Sewoh and Major Idriss Sonkoi Kamara of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces(RSLAF). Read more...
2010 International Women Of Courage Awards: Zimbabwean and Kenyan Amongst those Feted
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and First lady Michelle Obama presented the 2010 International Women of Courage Awards on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 to various recipients, among them a Zimbabwean and a Kenyan. The awards were started in March 2007 to recognize women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights and women’s equality.
One of this year's 10 winners is Shukria Asil of Afghanistan. She serves as one of 4 female members of the Baghlan Provincial Council where she advocates for government accountability for women's needs. Also from Afghanistan is Colonel Shafiqa Quraishi, who works to integrate women into the government and police force. Read more...
Extra-Judicial Killings: KNCHR Adds Voice to calls for APs' Indictment
Wednesday the 10th of March, 2010 presented a dark evening for the families of 7 taxi drivers in Kawangware area of Nairobi, Kenya. A confrontation between boda boda (motor cycle) riders and taxi drivers ended tragically when the former group called in Administration Police (APs) who controversially opened fire, killing the seven.
It has been alleged that the battle for a popular spot for the attraction and pickup of potential customers was the epicenter of frequent disagreements after the boda boda riders, late entrants into the transport business, invaded the taxi bay. There seemed to be powerful interests at play after it became a well-known fact that the APs owned and operated the boda bodas.
First Lady Lucy Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila, Area Member of Parliament Beth Mugo and local leaders were quick to condemn the killings. Human Rights groups including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) began impartial and independent investigations. The Commission hosted Mr. John Waruingi, Chairman of the BP Taxi Base and Paul N. Wanjiku, Secretary General of the Taxi Association during a press brief at its offices. KNCHR called for the indictment of the APs involved as the two gave their harrowed firsthand accounts of the events of that day. The Ministry of Internal Security indicted the 7 officers on Friday, 12th March 2010 and they will be in custody for the next 6 months with their trial set to begin in September 2010.
Nigeria: Hundreds Butchered in Religious Violence
Deadly sectarian clashes have seen around 500 people killed near the Nigerian city of Jos, the ‘middle belt’, which lies between the mainly Muslim north and the largely Christian south.
On Sunday, March 6, 2010, rioters armed with machetes attacked three mostly Christian villages near Jos, and slaughtered 200 people, including a 4 day old infant. The attack is thought to be in reprisal for January clashes between Christians and Muslims, which killed over 300 people, most of them Muslims. The latter have complained about being denied jobs and other benefits in Jos by the Christian dominated government. However, many Muslims also operate shops and businesses in a nearby town where the tourist trade has dried up and the surrounding tin mines have been abandoned, stoking fears for Christians about retaliation from their Muslim neighbors. Jos has been under a dusk-till-dawn curfew enforced by the military since January’s violence. It was not clear how the attackers managed to elude the military curfew early Sunday.
According to local journalists and a civil rights group, the bodies of the dead that lined dusty streets were interred on Monday. Plateau State Spokesman Gregory Yenlong had announced that officials would conduct mass burials for the victims as acting President Goodluck Jonathan stationed security forces along Plateau’s state borders to keep outsiders from coming in with more weapons and fighters. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay is appalled by this latest massacre and has called for a concerted effort to tackle the underlying causes of the repeated outbreaks of violence-discrimination, poverty and land disputes.
Kinshasa: DRC Army Commander May Face Trial for Abuses
The Democratic Republic of Congo will try an army commander accused of mass killing and rape of civilians if a military report backs the allegations against him, a minister said yesterday. Human Rights Watch and 50 Congolese groups lodged a formal complaint against Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Zimurinda, a senior officer in the conflict-racked east of the central African country, requesting his suspension.
Niger Coup d'etat: Niger Human Rights Commission Disbanded
The Niger Human Rights Commission has been disbanded. The commission is amongst others disbanded following a decision taken by the new authorities after the February 18, 2010 Coup d’etat that saw President Mmadou Tandja deposed by the junta (Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy-SCRD). Major Salou Djibou has taken over reigns of leadership of the West African nation.
Although Niger’s NHRC Chair expressed the Commission’s assurance of continuity as it was not created during the 6th Republic, thus it carried on with its duty as usual after the pronouncement, confirmation came in on Wednesday 24, 2010 when the officials were asked to hand over their diplomatic passports and official vehicles.
Support for the military is unequivocal amongst citizens, especially Niamey’s population. Allies, grassroots supporters and, in private, diplomats have backed the coup which they view as a possible opening to the start of restoration of democracy. The Diplomats seem impressed by promises for planned return to civilian rule.
The coup was preceded by months of wrangling over President Tandja’s re-writing of the constitution to give himself wider powers and more time to use them after his Second Term in office ran out last December (2009).
Egypt: Police Kill Migrant at Israel Border
Egyptian Police shot and killed an Ethiopian migrant on Tuesday,February 23, 2010, injured two others and arrested 10 as they tried to cross the Egyptian-Israeli border, medical and security sources reported to press. The death is the third this week and brings the toll of migrants killed at the sensitive border this year to eight.
At least 19 migrants were killed by Egyptian border guards last year. The Sinai border is a main transit route for African migrants and refugees seeking work or asylum in Israel. Navi Pillay, the United Nations' Human Rights Chief said 60 unarmed African migrants have been killed since July 2007. He has called for Cairo to urgently launch an independent and credible inquiry into what could be a 'shoot-to-kill policy' by some Egyptian security forces.
KNCHR Launches Strategic Plan 2009-2013, Holds 2 Day Training in Witness Protection for Staff
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) launched its Strategic Plan 2009-2013 on the 28th of January, 2010 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).
In attendance were dignitaries from the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs; the Assistant Minister Hon. William K. Cheptumo, MP and Permanent Secretary Ambassador Amina Hossain, representatives from local CSOs, Staff and friends of the Commission. Representatives from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Norwegian and Dutch Embassies as well as various UN Agencies formed the group of Diplomatic Corps and International Partner Institutions present.
Highlights of KNCHR’s achievements and challenges over the period 2004-2009 were reviewed by Commissioner Winfred Lichuma after which the Chairperson, Comm. Florence Simbiri Jaoko ran through the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan. As he officially launched the Strategic Plan, Hon. Kiptumo sounded appreciation for the financial support and technical expertise that donors had offered the Commission in the past but noted that the future of human rights in the country lay with partnerships between the public and private sectors, Government, CSOs and Kenyan Citizens.
And in an apparent move at capacity building, KNCHR held a two day staff training on Witness Protection on 2-3 February 2010. The training was held at the Commission’s offices with facilitators drawn from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)-Witness Protection Advisor Mr. Gerhard van Rooyen- and the State Department’s Witness Protection Unit’s (WPU) lead consultant Ms. Alice Ondieki, L. Obuor, M. Gater, T.Wafula and P.Kiage.
Swaziland Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity Commissioners' Uganda Orientation Tour
Three Officials from the Swaziland Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity are winding up their study tour of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
Pastor Davis Mathse, Chairman of the Swaziland Commission, was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Sabelo Masuku and the Executive Secretary to the Commission Ms Zandile D. Dhlamini. They arrived in Uganda on the 26th of January, 2010 and have spent 3 days (27-29 January, 2010) on the orientation.
Other Deputy Commissioners at the Swaziland Commission are Reverend Grace Masilela, Princess Sidvumolesihle Dlamini, Chief Mawandla Gamedze and Phumelele Thwala.
AU Summit: Focus on Human Rights Consequences of Conflicts (Human Rights Watch Report)
(New York) - The African Union (AU) should improve its strategies for civilian protection and accountability in its efforts to end ongoing crises on the continent, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to AU heads of states. The AU will hold a Summit meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January 25 to February 4, 2010.
"African heads of state declared 2010 the ‘Year of Peace and Security in Africa' for compelling reasons," said Aloys Habimana, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Now they need to act, by coming up with long-term solutions for armed conflicts and stronger measures to protect civilians and ensure justice for victims of atrocities." Read more...
RWI National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) Fellowship 2010 RWI is announcing an 8 month NHRI Fellowship. The aim of the fellowship is to expand the understanding of the role NHRIs play in promoting and protecting human rights, to support research associated with NHRIs, and to help facilitate dialogue between NHRI scholars and practitioners.
Fellows will be provided with a stipend sufficient to fully cover all necessary personal expense in Sweden. Human rights practitioners and scholars with in-depth knowledge of and/or experience working with NHRIs are eligible to apply.
For additional information, further eligibility criteria, and application information, please view the full ad on the Raoul Wallenberg Institute website: http://www.rwi.lu.se/news/tempact/nhrifellow.shtml
Yemen: Asylum Seekers Run Gauntlet of Abuses (Human Rights Watch Report) (New York) - The Yemeni government should stop systematically arresting Ethiopian asylum seekers and forcibly returning them to Ethiopia, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Human Rights Watch also called on the United Nations refugee agency to do more to press the Yemeni government to meet its obligations toward all asylum seekers and refugees. Read more...
Kenya: Ensure Safeguards in HIV Testing Campaign (Human Rights Watch Report) (New York) - The Kenyan government should ensure that strong human rights protections are included in plans for expanded home-based HIV counseling and testing, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to the public health minister. Earlier in 2009, Kenya started testing people for HIV in their own homes, and aims to test more than four million Kenyans - adults and children - in 2010, according to the new Kenya National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan.Home-based counseling and testing can improve accessibility to HIV testing but should be conducted in a way that protects human rights and minimizes risks of stigma and abuse, Human Rights Watch said. Research by Human Rights Watch has shown that HIV-positive mothers and children frequently are stigmatized in Kenya, and suffer violence, abuse, and abandonment when their family members find out they are HIV-positive. Read more...
Abridged Executive Summary of the Annual Report of Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) 2008/2009 The report documents the situations of human rights in Egypt during 2008, and the first quarter of 2009. The 5 chapters therein cover:-
1. The general state of human rights in Egypt
2. NCHR’s efforts in dealing with complaints received
3. Efforts of NCHR in promoting a culture of human rights
4. NCHR’s activities in the field of international and national cooperation &
5. NCHR’s efforts to implement the national plan for the advancement of human rights. Read more...
PFAAD on Human Rights and Democracy, 7-9 December, 2009 The stark reality that half of Arab countries are also African countries has facilitated the need for an in-depth analysis and exploration of existing and possible future relations. This is especially pertinent considering the issues of human rights and democracy have been relegated, with little sustained efforts to examine migrations between Arab and African countries. As UNESCO's El Syassa El Dawliya puts it, 'intellectual and logistic solidarity' should be the basis of our speech. Read more…
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Consultation- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The OHCHR Regional Consultation on ‘Enhancing Cooperation between Regional and International Mechanisms for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights’-a Consultation for Africa will be held on 30th November to 2nd December, 2009. This will be followed immediately thereafter by the Strategic Planning on African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance on December 3 to December 4th, 2009. Read more...
AUC, OHCHR, UNECA and ICTR Meeting (Nov. 2009) - Arusha, TANZANIA. The African Union Commission (AUC), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in cooperation with the ICTR organized a meeting on: Improved Interaction between the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the Right to Development from 23-24 November 2009 in Arusha, Tanzania. Read more...
ICC: Promote Global Support for Court (Human Rights Watch) (The Hague) - International Criminal Court member countries should use their annual meeting to strengthen international support for the court's mission and independence, Human Rights Watch said today. The ICC Assembly of States Parties, which oversees court administration, will meet in The Hague for nine days beginning November 18, 2009. Read more...
The Commonwealth is a Jamboree of Repression (Human Rights Watch) What's the point of the Commonwealth? Every two years the question comes around in the run-up to the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. Then everyone goes home and forgets about it until the next one.Read more...
Gender Justice Forum 24-25 November 2009, Peace Palace, The Hague As part of its on-going Gender Justice Campaign, and to commemorate International Day on the Elimination of Violence against Women, Africa Legal Aid will convene a Gender Forum from 24-25 November at the Peace Palace in The Hague. ‘Breaking the Silence’ has been chosen as the main theme of the forum (which seeks) to emphasize undertreated and unrecognized areas of Gender Violence (whilst) underscoring the African perspective. Read more...
Protecting Child Victims in Sexual Violence Trials in the DR Congo: Suggestions for the Way Forward (Article submitted by Juliane Kippenberg for EU's RUJESCO) Victims of serious human rights crimes require support, protection, and assistance when seeking justice through the courts. The protection of a victim's well-being in the context of a trial is a legal imperative, though in many countries such protection measures pose serious challenges and are frequently inadequate. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (hereafter Congo), a country plagued by continued armed conflict and a weak judicial system, the task of providing protection and support to victims seeking legal redress is all the more complex. The state does not have the infrastructure, financial means, or functioning mechanisms to provide the full range of support so urgently needed by the victims. Yet at the same time, the need for justice is crucial. Without victims and witnesses coming forward to testify, the ability to bring justice and demonstrate an end to the culture of impunity is seriously reduced. Read more...
ICC Bureau Meeting, Rabat, Morocco The Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) held its second annual meeting on 1-2 November, 2009 in Rabat. Read more...
The General Assembly, Rabat, Morocco The Meeting of the General Assembly was held from 3-5 November, 2009. It was graced by Ms. Jennifer Lynch, ICC Chairperson and Mr. Gianni Magazzeni, Chief of Unit of NHRI, OHCHR, who presented their remarks to the General Assembly. Read more...
Workshop: Role of National Human Rights Institutions in the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in Africa- Rabat, Morocco The workshop was organized by the OHCHR and was held on 6-7 November, 2009 with the overall objective of strengthening the role of NHRIs as human rights defenders and protectors. Specific Objectives were: to Increase knowledge and understanding of international standards protecting HRDs, share experiences, challenges and best practices on the work of HRDs nationally, regionally and internationally, identify strategies for greater involvement of NHRIs in the protection of HRDs and strengthen regional networks, identify country specific challenges/regional trends, in relation to human rights defenders work and strengthen the investigative capacity of NHRIs to handle human rights complaints and identify capacity gaps. Read more...
7th Conference of NANHRIs, November 2009 "Peace and Justice: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions". This is the theme of the upcoming 7th Conference of the African National Human Rights Institutions in Morocco on 3rd to 5th November, 2009. Read more...
Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (Press Release Number 17): Transfer of Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) Inmates out of Sierra Leone The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has received an urgent appeal from the eight (8) Sierra Leonean currently held at the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) detention facility that they not be transferred to serve their sentences outside of Sierra Leone. HRCSL has also seen a letter dated 9th June 2008 in which the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL) apparently declined to have the SCSL convicts serve their sentences in Sierra Leone as provided for in Article 22 in the Statute of the Special Court. Read more...
SAHRC (South Africa Human Rights Commission) new Commissioners Adv Lawrence Mushwana, the SAHRC Chairperson, leads the new team of SAHRC Commissioners who took office with effect from October 1st,2009.The new appointments reflect a gender balance even as Adv Mushwana is deputised by Ms Pregaluxmi Govender. Read more...
Kimberley Process: Zimbabwe Action Mars Credibility (Human Rights Watch) Johannesburg) - The credibility of the world's "blood diamond" monitoring group has been damaged after its failure this week to suspend Zimbabwe despite overwhelming evidence of serious human rights abuses and smuggling in the Marange diamond fields in eastern Zimbabwe, Human Rights Watch said today. Read more...
Uganda: Bill Threatens Progress on HIV/AIDS (Human Rights Watch) "(Kampala) - A proposed Ugandan law on HIV/AIDS promotes dangerous and discredited approaches to the AIDS epidemic and would violate human rights, a group of more than 50 Ugandan and international organizations and individuals said in a report released today. The HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Bill could be taken up by Uganda's parliament shortly. Read more...
Comments to Uganda’s Parliamentary Committee on HIV/AIDS and Related Matters about the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Bill (Human Rights Watch) Uganda has long received praise for its successful handling of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1990s, when it engaged civil society in its prevention efforts and worked to reduce the stigma of the disease.[1] Prevalence rates declined as a result of government policies that promoted the empowerment of civil society, frank discussions of HIV transmission, pragmatic emphasis on comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, and improved access to treatment. However, after sharp declines, recent evidence suggests that HIV incidence and prevalence have increased in Uganda. Read more...
Sudan: Reform National Security Law (Human Rights Watch Report) (New York) - A report released on November 5, 2009 by the United Nations Panel of Experts on Sudan reveals continuing human rights violations in Darfur and underscores the urgent need to reform Sudan's repressive national security law, Human Rights Watch said today. Read more...
Eastern DR Congo: Surge in Army Atrocities (Human Rights Watch Report) Some Congolese army soldiers are committing war crimes by viciously targeting the very people they should be protecting. MONUC's continued willingness to provide support for such abusive military operations implicates them in violations of the laws of war. Read more...
AU: African Civil Society Presses States for ICC Support (Human Rights Watch Report) (Johannesburg) - A network of African civil society and international organizations today called upon African Union (AU) states to use the AU's upcoming session about the International Criminal Court (ICC) to promote the court's ability to prosecute the world's worst crimes fairly and effectively. The AU session on the ICC is scheduled to take place November 3 to 6 in Addis Ababa. Read more...
Kimberley Process: Suspend Zimbabwe (Human Rights Watch Report) (Johannesburg) - The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, scheduled to meet in Swakopmund, Namibia, from November 2 to 5, 2009, should immediately suspend Zimbabwe for continuing human rights abuses and widespread smuggling in the Marange diamond fields, Human Rights Watch said today. Read more...
AU: Back Mbeki Panel Call for Darfur Prosecutions (Human Rights Watch Report) Richard Dicker, International Justice Program director
(New York) - The African Union (AU) should support the High-Level Panel on Darfur's call for prosecutions to provide justice for victims in Darfur, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch said that the panel's recommendation to create a "hybrid court" - along with establishing a truth and reconciliation commission and strengthening the domestic criminal justice system - could usefully supplement justice efforts in Darfur, but not replace International Criminal Court (ICC) cases. Read more...
EA NHRIs conference in Kigali Heads and Commissioners of NHRIs in East Africa are currently in a two-day conference in Kigali. The countries participating in the conference is Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi. The conference is taking place from the 27th to 28th October, 2009. The main objective of the conference is to explore opportunities for the institutions to explore avenues to reinforce their role in the struggle of promoting and protecting human rights in East Africa. According to the Rwanda Human Rights Commission Chair, Kayitesi Zanaibo, the conference is also aimed at developing a spirit of solidarity and networking in the NHRIs and finding ways to strengthen capacity of the institutions.
The conference has been organized by the Rwanda NCHR in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (Rule of Law Program for Sub-Saharan Africa).
ECOWAS-NNHRIs meeting in Banjul A three day meeting of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions of ECOWAS Member States has come to a close in Banjul, Gambia. It was held to review the state of Human Rights of ECOWAS member states. The meeting, which opened on the 12th October 2009, laid emphasis on the challenges and achievements in the various member countries. Read More...
Are human rights defenders safe in Gambia? There is growing concern over the safety of human rights defenders in Gambia after it was alleged that the country’s president, Yahya Jammeh said that he will kill human rights defenders in his country and people cooperating with them. Read more...
Uganda Broadcasting Council (UBC) must lift radio stations gagging order UBC has issued gag orders to all radio stations in Uganda against any news coverage on issues touching on the traditional Buganda’s King Kabaka or his Mengo traditional complex. They have gone a step further and stipulated that the stations should focus on lifestyle and entertainment content on all their broadcasts. This contravenes Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights...Read more
UN High Commissioner on ending discrimination and impunity UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says discrimination is still a plague that affects every country, and fighting it has become some of her office’s top priorities... Read more
East African NHRIs Commissioners Training in Mombasa The sub-regional training for East African National Human Rights Commissioners was held at the Mombasa Continental Resort last week. The countries participating in the training included Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. Read More...
Food Crisis, a rising concern worldwide 'We eat to live'. That is a famous saying that depicts the importance of food to man. In the world today, the saying is becoming more and more important as people from developing are facing hunger. The Special Rapporteur for right to food has a few words to say on the subject. Read More...
International Day of the Disappeared, August 30th The International Day of the Disappeared on August 30th, was held amid calls for countries to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance obliges states to ensure that enforced disappearances are a criminal offence under their laws, to protect witnesses and to hold any person involved in an enforced disappearance criminally responsible. It recognizes the families’ right to know the truth and to obtain reparations. It requires states to prevent enforced disappearances by instituting stringent safeguards for people deprived of their liberty; to search for the disappeared person and, if they have died, to locate and return the remains. The Convention also requires states to prosecute alleged offenders present in their territory, regardless of where the crime was committed, or to extradite them to another state or surrender them to an international criminal court. The 64th session of the UN General Assembly, due to open on 15 September 2009 in New York, and its annual treaty event will provide all governments with an opportunity to ratify or announce a commitment to ratify the Convention.
Slavery and its History 23rd of August-International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was celebrated with a deafening silence. This week, the Network will present commentaries and stories on the illicit trade and it’s effects on our continent. Read more…
Slavery and its Legacy International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was celebrated yesterday (23rd of August) with a deafening silence. For the rest of the week, the Network will present commentaries on the illicit trade and it’s effects on the African continent. Read more...
The World Humanitarian Day "August 19 is a date that is etched deep in the consciousness of the United Nations and the memories of those involved in humanitarian and human rights work around the world", UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay says on the first day of World Humanitarian Day. Read more...
The Trial of Aung San Suu Kyi There has been a worldwide condemnation of the sentence handed to Aung San Suu Kyi on the 11th of August. Read more...
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People has been celebrated every 9th of August for the last fifteen years. This year the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay had a message for the different cultures of the world. Read more...
Commentary: When will the culture of impunity in Africa end? Africa is indeed a land of contrast. It has the best and worst of everything. From the resources to personalities, we have it all. This can be seen as a justification for impunity that exists in the continent. Everyone in the continent is in danger of being exploited and abused, however women and children usually bear the brunt of these conditions. The most enabling factor for this kind of situation is poverty. It has been estimated that more than half the population in Africa leaves under the deplorable conditions and earn less than a dollar a day. It has also been alleged that their leaders are the perpetrators of the exploitation and abuse. Read more...
Create Senior Post on Women and War Human Rights Watch group has recommended to the UN Security Council to urgently fulfill its promise and establish a senior post on women and war. This is because women are, part of the population, most affected during armed conflict. Read more...
Regional Workshop in Egypt on Smuggling of Migrants A regional workshop on smuggling of migrants is currently going on in Egypt. The two-day workshop has been organized by the National Council for Human Rights-Egypt and the United Nations Regional Office on Drugs and Crime. The main focus of this workshop is to explore the various dimensions of and offer experiences in dealing with the issue from the human rights perspective. The workshop aims at sharing experiences and challenges presented during operation of various national institutions and non-government organizations in their efforts to prevent this human rights violation. The workshop will also discuss the framework of cooperation with governmental institutions in this regard and to coordinate a regional awareness campaign to raise awareness on the crime. The participants of the workshop will include representatives of national institutions, civil associations, and non-governmental organizations from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. The regional workshop started on the 3rd and will end on the 4th of August.
The Induction of New Ugandan Human Rights Commissioners
New Ugandan Human Rights Commissioners were taken through a five-day orientation course at the Imperial Hotel, Entebbe which started on Monday 20th and concluded on Friday 25th July 2009.
The new Commission is headed by the Chairperson Mr. Med S.K Kaggwa and other members namely, Dr. Katebalirwe Amooti Wa Irumba, Mr. Agaba Maguru, Mr. Joseph Etima, Mr. C.K Karusoke and Ms. Mariam Fauzat Wangadya. They went through the basic principles of human rights recognized at the national, regional and international levels. The former Chairperson of the Uganda Commission Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya and the old Commission members, members from the academia, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner, Kampala, members of civil society organisations, the media and the judiciary, took the new members through the induction.
The course which drew both the old and new UHRC Commissioners together offered an opportunity for them to share experiences especially on their human rights thematic areas and the role of Commissioners.
Kenya Government: Establish an Independent Tribunal The Human Rights Watch group and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights are crying foul over the Kenyan government’s decision to establish a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission to replace a local tribunal to try the 2007 Post-Election Violence suspects. Read more...
UN Human Rights Chief on importance of 'Responsibility to Protect' The protection of citizens by their government seems like an obvious duty, which needs no prompting from the Human Rights groups for it to be fulfilled. However, with the tragic events of wanton killings and destruction of people’s livelihoods occurring all over the world, the Chief UN Human Rights commissioner, Navi Pillay had this to say on ‘Responsibility to Protect’ read more...
Human Rights Violations while doing Business in Precious Stones Multinational companies have been accused of funding the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a 110-page Global Witness report, it is alleged that the multinationals are transacting business with various warring factions in the mineral rich North and South Kivu resulting to numerous human rights abuses. Read More...
2009 second round Disability Rights Fund application opened The Disability Rights Fund has opened its 2009 second round of grant application. Special considerations for these round have been placed on, among other things, the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Read More...
Algeria's National Human Rights Institution status change Earlier this year, the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) released an accreditation report assessing the status of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) in various parts of the world. The countries that were being considered for this part of the assessment were Ecuador, Malaysia, Switzerland, Qatar, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and Palestine. Algeria was among the countries reviewed by the ICC and due to some challenges that the country’s NHRI has experienced during its operations, it was consequently downgraded to ‘B’ status. Among the challenges the ICC gave for the accreditation, was the lack of a transparent process of appointment and dismissal of the chair and commissioners of the NHRI. In addition, the ICC Sub-committe had not been informed of any plans by the Algerian NHRI to formulate such a process. Download
Obama in Ghana Barack Obama, the US president, spent two days of his weekend in Ghana after the G-8 summit. Human Rights Watch earlier in the week urged the president to encourage Ghana's new president, John Atta Mills, to take a leadership position in Africa on issues of democracy and justice. According to the US administration, Obama chose Ghana for his first official visit as president to show that the US government’s support for countries that respect the basic rights of citizens to freely choose their representatives and hold them accountable. "Ghana's progress on human rights is commendable, but it will have little meaning if left as an isolated example," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "President Obama should encourage Ghana to promote abroad what it practices at home." In his first address in sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Obama used the opportunity to lay out the US policy on its dealings with the continent. The US president reiterated the call for Africa to denounce corruption and embrace good leadership. He also heavily criticized corrupt and inept governments all over the continent as well as Kenya, the country of his father’s birth, saying that without proper governance, development will not come to African nations. The US president emphasized that no one“...wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery,”
UN Human Rights High Commissioner alleges possible war crimes in Somalia UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay, says it is likely war crimes are being committed in Somalia. Pillay explained that civilians are being targeted in the fighting between the Al-Shabaab and the government forces. The Al-Shabaab are accused of planning to topple the existing government. Read More...
Regional NHRIs Representative Training in South Africa concludes The training workshop, which took place in Pretoria with the chief aim of familiarizing the African NHRIs representatives on various issues that affect their operations, was perceived as successful by the NHRIs representatives present. Read more...
UN Human Rights Chief comments on Human Rights and the Global Economic Crisis UN Human Rights Commissioner, Navi Pillay has urged the international community to consider the implications of the economic melt down to the marginalized people in various parts of the world. Commissioner Pillay was speaking at the Conference on the World Financial and Economic crisis and Its Impact on Development, which was attended by 150 representatives of the General Assembly. Pillay intimated that economic downturns usually combine with a lack of freedom, accountability and transparency in government action. This may inturn lead to social unrest provoking the government to use violence to repress the unrests and further contribute to more restriction of liberties. The Commissioner added that “These are not only crises of development, but of human rights as well,”. She mentioned that the marginalized are the first to feel the impact of a failed economy hence the international community should look into a “...human rights approach (that) helps to put communities and people themselves in charge of devising what measures are best suited to ensure that economic recovery is sustainable, evenly spread, and long-lasting.”. The UN Human Rights Chief made her remarks at a three-day summit of world leaders called to assess the worst global economic downturn since the Great Depression.
Human Rights Watch launch report on Police torture in North-Eastern Kenya The Kenyan Security Forces are on the spotlight following a damning report alleging torture during a disarmament exercise in October 2008. The Human Rights Watch report claims that a man died, 1,200 people were injured,and several women were raped during the exercise in North Eastern Province. However, in a swift response to the allegations, the police spokesman Eric Kiraithe and his miliatry counterpart Bogita Ongeri refuted the claims. Read more
Human Rights Watch urges AU to address the most pressing of human rights issues in Africa in the upcoming Summit Human Rights Watch has urged the African Union (AU) to look into the human rights violations taking place in the continent. This comes as the AU is planning to meet for the Sirte Summit in Libya this July. In the letter, while addressing the situation currently unfolding in Somalia, the group implores the AU to request the UN Security council to set up a commission of inquiry so that the individuals perpetuating human rights crimes can be held accountable in the future. Read more
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' Speech on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture On June 26th, the world marked the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Although many of them are forgotten, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay had this to say… read more
New Mandate created for an independent UN human rights expert on Sudan The United Nations Human Rights Council has established a new mandate for an expert who will observe the situation in Sudan and forward a progress report to the body. read more
UN conference on the World financial crisis and its effects on Development The United Nations General Assembly President, Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann has announced that negotiations on the long-debated outcome document for the United Nations summit on the world financial crisis, which begins today (24th of June, 2009), had come to a successful conclusion. In a press conference held in the UN headquarters in New York, Mr. Brockmann intimated that the document 'The World Financial and Economic Crisis and its Impact on Development' will be presented to the conference for approval by the assembly. “Let us hope that we have a Conference that is up to the exigencies and the gravity of the crisis facing mankind,” Mr. d’Escoto said. While unable to provide details of the negotiated final document, he voiced confidence that it would be greatly appreciated by all and allow the entire international community to move forward “as the brothers and sisters who we must never forget we are”. This conference is timely as the World has for the last one year been undergoing a financial slump. It has taken awhile for the effects to be felt in Africa. Now that it has negatively affected some sectors of the economy and in particular tourism, which is a source of revenue for some countries in the continent, there is a possibility of decreased concern towards development hence decreased involvement in human rights initiatives.
UN expert on human rights situation in the Sudan concludes visit
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, Sima Samar has concluded her visit to the country . She has noted some positive developments in Sudan....... read more
KNCHR makes submissions to the UN Human Rights Council on extra-judicial killings The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has made submissions to the United Nations Human Rights Council to provide further information on extrajudicial killings in Kenya. read more
UN expert on human rights defenders visits DRC
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders, Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya, is visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The purpose of the visit is to assess the situation of human rights defenders, and examine the legal framework and the environment in which they function for the protection and promotion of human rights. read more
Speech of the Executive Director, Secretariat of the NANHRI during the 45th Session of the ACHPR It is for us a great honour and pleasure to speak on behalf of the Network of African NHRIs during this opening ceremony of the 45th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights......read more
United States finally joins the UN Human Rights Council The United States has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council after years of boycotting the council.The US was one of the 18 new countries elected to serve for three-year term on the 47-seat council, joining 29 other countries that are already serving on the body. The US had boycotted the council saying that some members like China, Cuba and Saudi Arabia had poor track records on human rights and that it was biased against Israel.The US ambassador to UN Ms. Susan Rice said the US still believed the body is flawed, but will be working from within with a cross-section of member states to reform the council. The UN Human Rights Council which was established in 2006 is based in Geneva, Switzerland, is the leading multilateral body devoted to human rights promotion and enforcement.
Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) for Kenya
Kenya has moved closer to forming Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) with the naming of 15 nominees to serve as the commissioners. The selection panel of the TJRC chaired by Dr. Daniel Ichangi; chairman of Professionals in East Africa and deputized by Ms. Florence Simbiri-Jaoko; chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has forwarded the 15 nominees to the Kenyan parliament for vetting. Parliament will propose nine names to President Mwai Kibaki for the final approval of six names. Three more commissioners; foreigners will be proposed by the team of Eminent African Persons led by former UN Secretary General, Koffi Annan. The team helped to restore peace in Kenya following the post 2007election crisis. The TJRC will consist of 9 commissioners. The TJRC is set to address the past, present injustices and human rights violations committed since the country's independence in 1963 to February 2008; when a peace accord was signed between the two presidential candidates; Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga who is now the Kenya’s Prime Minister. read more
UN expert: Stop intimidation of Kenyan human rights defenders UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions says Kenyan authorities have responded to his reports by systematically intimidating and harassing human rights defenders. read more
KNCHR condemns police for using excessive force in quelling student riots The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the police for using excessive force in quelling student riots in a Kenya’s university. The Commission says that the excessive use of force and brutality leading to deaths is unwarranted and uncivilized. read more
Morocco issues a progress report on the National Action Plan in Democracy and Human Rights (PANDDH)
The Advisory Council on Human Rights (CCDH) and the Steering Committee drawing up the National Action Plan in Democracy and Human Rights (PANDDH) in Morocco, presented the results of the first phase of work in the process of developing the PANDDH and announced its internal structure and working arrangements. At a news conference held on 31st March, 2009 at the Advisory Council offices in Rabat, the Committee presented work program, including the organization of a national seminar on April 3-4 2009, whose objective is to present the conclusions of the regional consultation meetings and think about the priority themes which will fall under the remit of the Steering Committee. read more
Kenyan human rights defenders under threat Kenya’s Nobel Peace Laureate, Prof. Wangari Maathai has called on the Kenyan government to put in place effective measures to protect human rights defenders who are under threat following the release of a report on Extra Judicial Executions by the UN Special Rapporteur, Prof. Philip Alston. read more
UN Human Rights Chief on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance are insidious, corrosive, sometimes explosive forces that can undermine societies as a whole, says UN Human Rights Chief. read more
Zambian Human Rights Commission urges government to expedite acquisition of Police protective gear The Zambian Human Rights Commission has called on the government to expedite the acquisition of bullet-proof vests for the police officers. The Commission’s Director Mr. Enoch Mulembe said, "It is imperative that the issue of bullet-proof vests is given the utmost priority to help lessen the chances of officers dying on duty..." read more.
Report of the meeting of NHRIs of ECOWAS member countries On 12 – 14 February 2009, the Network of African NHRIs was represented by the Executive Director of the Secretariat at a follow-up meeting of NHRIs of ECOWAS member states which was held in Cotonou, Benin. The meeting was organized by the Democracy and Good governance unit of the ECOWAS. The aim of the meeting was to promote the objectives spelt out during the inaugural meeting of the Network of ECOWAS member states NHRIs that was held in Banjul, Gambia in 2006. The other key objective of the meeting was to refocus and re-position the Network of ECOWAS NHRIs in order to more effectively further the cause of democracy and rule of law in the member states. read more
Round table on the Paris Principles and Best Practices in Bujumbura, Burundi
The Secretariat of the Network of African NHRIs participated in a round table that was held in Bujumbura, Burundi on 29–30 January 2009. The central them of the round table was “the Paris Principles and the Best practices” in the establishment and strengthening of National Human Rights Institutions. Experts presented brief presentations on specific themes and these were followed by discussions. read more
Report on a sub-regional workshop held in Lome, Togo The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and the Togo Human Rights Commission held a two day workshop for National Human Rights Institutions of West and Central Africa in Lome, Togo on 19-20 January 2009. The main objective of the workshop was to assist NHRIs of the region in complying with the Paris Principles with a view towards eventually gaining “A” status from the International Coordinating Committee of NHRIs. This workshop was the culmination of consultations between the Togo Human Rights Commission on one part and the Network of African NHRIs, the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR), the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the other. Download the report here
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights alarmed by violations in DR Congo The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has expressed deep concern on the continuous stream of gross human rights abuses committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). read more
UN human rights expert visits Democratic Republic of Congo The Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Mr. Walter Kälin, will visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 17 to 23 January 2009, at the invitation of the Government of the DRC. read more
Statement of the Executive Director, Secretariat of the NANHRI during the 44th Session of the ACHPR
Your Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria represented by the Minister for Energy and Petroleum Resources,Your Excellency the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, ......... Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure and honor, to address you, on behalf of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions.......read more
KNCHR Position on the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Post Election Violence (CIPEV) The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is perturbed by twists and turns and the political ping pong by politicians and political parties in an attempt to discredit the Waki (CIPEV) Report and subvert justice. The debate within the political class aimed at the non implementation of the Waki Report is morally fraudulent and a shameless and treasonable attempt to perpetuate impunity...... read more
The Networks' Strategic Plan adopted
A three year Strategic Plan for the Network has been adopted. The Strategic Plan was adopted by the Network’s General Assembly on 23rd October, 2008 during a meeting of the African National Human Rights Institutions held at the Hilton hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The Strategic Plan outlines four key areas that will guide the Network in fulfilling its objectives. These areas are:
•Strengthening the capacity of the Secretariat
•Strengthening African NHRIs
•Promoting cooperation among and between African NHRIs and other relevant institutions and organisations and
•Providing assistance to establish new African NHRIs.
The Strategic Plan was developed with the assistance of the Danish Institute for Human Rights. The meeting that adopted the Strategic Plan ran concurrently with the 9th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions held at the same venue. more.....
Message of the Honourable Justice Sanji Mmasenono Monageng, Chairperson, ACHPR on Africa Human Rights Day
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the ACHPR) salutes those around Africa, and indeed, the world who struggle to promote, protect and defend the fundamental freedoms that are the birthright of all mankind...read more
New leadership for the Niger National Human Rights Commission
The Niger National Human Rights Commission (Commission Nationale Des Droits de L’homme et des Libertés Fondamentales-CNDHLF) has a new leadership. Mr. Mamoudou Djibo, PhD, is the new chairperson while Ms. Aissata Adamou Zakaria, a former magistrate is the vice-chairperson of the human rights Commission.
In an election held on 4th September 2008, Djibo replaced Mr. Lompo Garba whose two terms have expired according to the law. Ms. Anne Marie Douramane, a jurist, was elected as the Commission’s Rapporteur General and will be assisted by Mr. Oumarou Lalo Keita, a journalist. The Commission’s Treasurer will be Ambassador Boubacar Bello. The new chairperson swore in on 4th September, 2008 before the Supreme Court and will serve at the Niger National Human Rights Commission for a period of three years.
KNCHR bids farewell to Maina Kiai
Mr. Maina Kiai has left the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Kiai, who has been at the helm of the Kenyan Commission for five years, has since been replaced by Commissioner Mrs. Florence Simbiri-Jaoko as the Chairperson. read more
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights turns five years old
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has marked five years since its establishment. The National Commission, which is the State's lead agency in the promotion and protection of human rights in Kenya, became operational on 29th July, 2003 when the President, H.E Mwai Kibaki, appointed nine Commissioners under the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2002 to run the organization. read more
Statement by the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions
The Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions expresses its deep concern over the gross and systemic human rights violations in Kenya. It strongly condemns the violations of the right to life, property, inhuman and degrading treatment and mass displacement which has escalated since the disputed Presidential elections in Kenya...read more
Statement from Dr. Maurice Manning, President of the Irish Human Rights Commission
Wednesday 16th January 2008, Dr. Maurice Manning, President of the Irish Human Rights Commission, speaking on behalf of the European Group of National Human Rights Institutions which the Irish Commission currently chairs has expressed deep concern for the safety of the Chairperson of a sister organization, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Mr Maina Kiai...read more
Statement from the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions, January 25, 2008
Following the events that have occurred in Kenya from the just concluded controversial general elections whose results were contested by the opposition party, the ODM (Orange Democratic Movement)...read more
Speech of the Executive Director, Secretariat of the NANHRI during the 43rd Session of the ACHPR
Statement by the Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions during the 43rd session of the African Commission for Human and Peoples Rights, Swaziland, 7-22 May 2008...read more
