The event, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, was aimed at enhancing the CSO’s understanding and engagement with United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms, including the Treaty Bodies, Universal Periodic Review and Special Procedures.
The session also focused on strengthening synergies between UN Mechanisms and the African Human Rights System.
At the event, Hannah Forster, Executive Director of ACDHRS, revealed that many advocacy groups struggled to navigate the international human rights system and don’t know who to approach for support.
She stressed the importance of understanding the global mechanisms that can assist in addressing human rights issues, saying knowing the right person to contact is key for organizations advocating against discrimination or torture.
Yvonne Fungai Tawanda, a Senior Human Rights Adviser at the UN, highlighted the vital role of CSO’s in promoting human rights and governance.
She explained that regular capacity-building efforts, such as this session, are crucial for strengthening CSOs' ability to protect and promote human rights.
Professor Nana Busia from the University of London urged activists to be proactive in their work and stressed the importance of building CSOs' capacity to engage with both UN and regional mechanisms for more effective human rights advocacy.
Professor Nana Busia thus encouraged human rights advocates to remain actively engaged in their activism.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of both UN and regional human rights mechanisms.
According to him, building this capacity empowers advocates to be more effective in their efforts to promote and protect human rights.
