October 31, 2024, the IGAD Political Affairs and Peace Building Unit successfully conducted a three-day consultative meeting in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. This gathering focused on operationalising the IGAD National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) Network, which was launched in June 2023. The Network’s general objective is to foster cooperation, collaboration and communication among the NHRIs of IGAD Member States towards the execution of their respective mandates in the promotion and protection of human rights, including sharing information and developing intervention strategies on human rights issues in the sub-region.
Convening Commissioners, Delegates, representatives from NHRIs and Member State Governments, the meeting aimed at enhancing collaboration and coordination among NHRIs and promoting human rights advocacy protection. Additionally, it aimed to strengthen human rights intervention strategies on cross-border cooperation within the region.
Dr. Aleu Garang, Head of IGAD’s Political Affairs and Peacebuilding Unit (IGAD PAP),delivered opening remarks and emphasised the essential role of NHRIs in safeguarding human rights.Mr. Abebaw Bihonegn, IGAD’s Head of Mission to Ethiopia, highlighted the collaborative potential of the network, while Mrs. Rakeb Messele, Chair of the NHRIs Network and Acting Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), expressed commitment to a unified voice in human rights protection across the IGAD region.
Throughout the three days, participants engaged in robust discussions and presentations that explored the background, objectives, and operational frameworks of the NHRIs Network. Key topics included the role of NHRIs in cross-border human rights advocacy, the Paris Principles, and strategies for accreditation under the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). NHRIs from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan, and Somalia shared insights and best practices on attaining and maintaining A-status accreditation, emphasising the collective benefits of standardised, transparent practices.
At the successful conclusion of the meeting, one remarkable outcome was the development and adoption (with changes) of the IGAD NHRIs Network One-Year Activity Action Plan.
This consultative meeting was supported by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
