6th AUC, NHRIs Policy Dialogue Underway in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, May 16, 2023 (FBC) – The African Union (AU), the African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) and African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are conducting the policy forum on stock of the status of NHRIs.

The policy forum is being held under the theme: “Championing A Human Rights Based Approach in Accelerating the Implementation of the AfCFTA: the Role of NHRIs and Key Stakeholders”.

It is stated that as 2023 marks the 30th and 42nd anniversaries of the adoption of the Paris Principles by UN General Assembly and the adoption of the African Charter respectively, the policy forum also reflected on achievements and challenges faced.

The main objective of the Policy Forum is to advocate for the establishment and sustenance of strong African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and to create a platform for enhancing interactions and engagements between NHRIs and AU towards improved monitoring and identifying potential human rights impacts of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Participants of the forum include: AUPRC Members, Representatives from NHRIs, AUC, ACERWC, African Court, ECOSCOCC, APRM, AUDA-NEPAD and AfCFTA.

Other participants also include Human Rights Defenders and African CSOs Networks, relevant UN bodies, Academics, Representatives of selected Affected Groups, Developmental partners and Media.