By Abdoulie John
The Executive Director of the African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), Hannah Forster, lauded the “continued dedication and commitment” of human rights defenders to protect and promote the fundamental rights of Africans.
ACDHRS boss was speaking at the opening of the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 63rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) held at Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi on Saturday.
More than 200 NGOs are taking part in the three-day event that will look into the status of democracy and human rights on a continent where conflicts continue to erupt in various regions with disturbing atrocities committed by warring factions.
“Although the main duty bearer for the promotion and protection of human rights are States, the promotion and protection of human rights remain a collective responsibility,” she emphasized.
Hannah Forster reminded participants about the important role civil society organisations continue to play in the realisation of what she termed as “fundamental freedom.”
She expressed hope that both parties could reach their targets through collaborative efforts.
“The main aim of the NGOs Forum is to foster closer collaboration among NGOs and with other human rights bodies,” she reiterated.
The Forum provides a wider platform for the NGOs community to push ahead with their agenda as they are given the possibility to expose the human rights violations committed by some member- States.
She further disclosed that the State report of Angola, Botswana and Togo will be reviewed during the upcoming ordinary session of ACHRPS.
Ends