RFLD is a women-led organisation working to end discrimination, violence against women and girls, and promote gender equality and human rights across the Sahel, west, central, and southern Africa.
The report, which was presented during the side event at the recent 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), brings to the fore the need to protect women rights.
The event was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
At the event, Agueh Dossi Gloria, RFLD President, emphasised the importance of this initiative, acknowledging that women's rights are human rights.
She reminded that in West Africa, women continue to face significant challenges, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and limited access to justice.
"RFLD is committed to empowering women and girls, and ensuring their voices are heard. We call on governments and civil society to prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment."
Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, chairperson of the ACHPR and Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, delivered a powerful address on the crucial role of HRDs in promoting human rights and democracy.
He underscored the importance of fostering partnership between HRDs and ACHPR in addressing some of the challenges HRDs face in Africa.
Dr. Michael Akagbor, Senior Programs Officer at CDD and a Human Rights Expert, presented the key findings and recommendations of the report.
While highlighting the increasing recognition of HRDs as an essential actor in driving social and political change, he equally acknowledged the significant risks they face.
The report, titled "The Situation of Human Rights Defenders in West Africa," analysed the challenges faced by HRDs in ten West African countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Togo, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal.
Key findings include:
According to the report, Harassment and Restrictions (HRDs): women are frequently subjected to harassment, intimidation, and restrictions on their freedoms of expression, association, and assembly.
State Capture of Media: In several countries, state capture of the media limits the ability of HRDs to disseminate information and hold authorities accountable.
To address these challenges, the report recommended several actions, including - strengthening the Role of the ACHPR: The ACHPR should increase its efforts to protect HRDs through periodic visits to member states, issuing reports on the situation of HRDs, and advocating for their rights.
The report also recommends the need for ECOWAS to Develop an ECOWAS Protocol for the protection of HRDs to provide a stronger legal framework for their work.
In the areas of Empowering National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), the report highlights the need for NHRIs to implement the Marrakech Declaration to promote and protect the rights of HRDs, particularly women HRDs.
Similarly, in Strengthening Collaboration, it recommends the need for HRDs, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to collaborate to enhance the safety of HRDs and establish effective reporting mechanisms.
By highlighting the critical issues faced by HRDs in West Africa, this side event contributed to the ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders and promote democratic governance in the region.
