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Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Oct 2007 : 15:31:51
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“AU Still Faced With Human Rights Challenges”
Commissioner Monageng
Sanji Mmasenon Monageng, a commissioner with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), has said that the African Union remains concerned about the many human rights challenges on the continent ranging from armed conflicts, poverty, HIV/Aids, natural diseases, sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights defenders, including journalists and activists.
Delivering her statement, marking the 20th anniversary of the African Commission, and the celebration of the African Human Rights Day held on Saturday October 21, at the Commission Secretariat along Kairaba Avenue, Commissioner Monageng said despite 20 years of continental struggle for restoration of human rights, there is still room for improvement.
However, she said, since the establishment of the AU, there has been a recommitment by African leaders to the ideals of human rights protection, and an ever increasing realisation that unity, peace and sustainable development cannot be realised without respect for human rights. The establishment of organs such as the Peace and Security Council, Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Pan African Parliament, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, among others, is a demonstration of the continent’s determination to mainstream human rights in the programmes, policies and discourse of the AU.
“The adoption of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance in January 2007, further expands the scope and integrates the principles of human rights in the political space on the continent,” she asserted.
Commissioner Monageng, who is also a High Court Judge, spoke about some of the progress made as others stumble in the process. She said that the African Union called upon all the people of Africa and the international community to uphold and adhere to all human rights obligations and responsibilities and solve the continent’s human rights challenges once and for all. She also spoke of the need to build up a durable culture of respect for human rights and ensure a climate of peace and security for sustainable development in Africa.
It is pertinent to note that in June 1981, African Heads of State reaffirmed their adherence to the principles of human and people’s rights and freedom and undertook to promote and safeguard freedom, justice, equity and human dignity on the continent and had adopted the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights which draws inspiration from international human rights norms and African values.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 127/2007, 29 – 30 October
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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