Highlights from the annual AUC-NANHRI Fourth Policy Dialogue Forum

On September 24, 2020, Delegates of the Fourth Policy Dialogue Forum on the State of NHRIs in Africa adopted an action plan for African National Human Rights Institutions’ Contribution to ‘Silencing the Guns’ in Africa. The action plan was adopted during the event held virtually on September 22-24, 2020.

The Policy Dialogue Forum is an annual event jointly organized by the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and the African Union Commission Department of Political Affairs.

Taking note of the various regional and international human rights instruments, the presentations and discussions by the Permanent Representatives to the African Union, representatives of the AUC, NHRIs, civil society organisations and academia proposed actions for promotion, protection and advocacy for human rights before, during and after violent conflicts.

The action plan highlights the role of NHRIs in collaboration with national, regional and international actors in conflict prevention, through addressing causes and triggers. Further, the critical role of NHRIs in human rights protection in conflict situations in addition to supporting and facilitating sustainable peace processes was identified.

Besides, monitoring and promoting implementation of peace agreements, the action plan highlighted the importance of collaboration with other national, regional and international human rights actors in promoting the rule of law at national level.

In post conflict situations, the action plan suggests undertakings to be spearheaded by the NHRIs and other actors in reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation as well as supporting accountability and transitional justice mechanisms towards ending impunity.

The 2020 Policy Dialogue Forum took place against the backdrop of adoption of the theme on ‘Silencing the Guns by 2020’, by AU Heads of States, as one of the ways of spurring economic, social and cultural growth and development for collective prosperity. The flagship project seeks to achieve this through ending wars, civil conflicts and other forms of armed conflicts, which are accompanied by human rights violations.

Armed conflicts lead to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacements, humanitarian crises, among other negative impacts.

The Forum reinforced the need of involving NHRIs as the principal mandate holders for human rights promotion and protection at national level through identification of their contribution to conflict resolution, management and sustainable peace building at national level.

Click here to download the  Action Plan.