Speaking at the closing ceremony, Hon. Hussein Thomasi, solicitor general and Legal Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, said the 79th Ordinary Public Session, like other predecessor sessions, has been very critical in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Session saw mostly the virtual convergence of all human rights stakeholders.
“There is no doubt that the convergence of so many is not just a convergence of participants but also a convergence of great minds, with the sole mandate of advancing human rights dialogue for the purposes of improving the human rights situation in Africa. As such, I firmly believe that the deliberations that have been undertaken during this session have laid a solid foundation for improved human rights promotion and protection initiatives. States have been reinvigorated to continue upholding their human rights obligations under the African Charter and other related human rights instruments,” he said.
He added that the public sessions, particularly the 79th Ordinary Session, has served to buttress the partnership in their human rights journey, saying that it is one of many more to come. “The deliberations throughout this session were insightful and fruitful. Among others, there were reflections on the human rights situation in Africa, consideration of State Periodic Reports, adoption of resolutions and consideration of Communications, among others. Worth mentioning is that the session has served as a platform to foster strong collaboration between the Commission and the Government of The Gambia, represented by its various Ministries,” he also said.
“The constructive human rights dialogue that has taken place exemplifies not only the important role played by the Commission on issues affecting Africa’s development but also reflects the enthusiasm of relevant stakeholders that participated in ensuring that human rights are a reality enjoyed by all Africans.”
Presenting the Communique for the 79th session, Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana , said members of the Commission presented their intersession reports to highlight the activities undertaken in their capacity as Commissioners, Country Rapporteurs and Special Mechanism mandate holders. “All the reports presented are available on the Commission's website. The presentation of these reports prompted reactions, contributions and questions from State delegates, NHRIs and CSO representatives,” she said.
She stated that the Commission presented the status of submission of State Party Reports, noting that thirteen countries are up to date; three countries are in the review process, eight countries are one report overdue, three countries are two reports overdue, four countries are three reports overdue, seventeen countries are more than three reports overdue, and six countries have not yet submitted their initial report.”
