By: Binta Jaiteh
Several human rights groups meeting here in The Gambia, Thursday raised concern over rising conflicts, human rights violations and worsening socio-economic conditions in many African countries.
The meeting was being held under the banner of Forum of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) organised by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS).
The Forum is being held ahead of the forthcoming session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), bringing together civil society organisations, human rights defenders, policymakers, and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
This year’s gathering is taking place under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” The theme highlights the urgent need to address water security, sanitation, and hygiene as fundamental human rights and key pillars of sustainable development on the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, Executive Director of ACDHRS, Hannah Forster, said poverty levels remained high across Africa, with limited improvement in living conditions.
“There is also an increase in income inequality and lack of access to quality water. The theme of this forum is aligned with the African Union agenda of ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve Agenda 2063 goals,” she said.
She further noted that the forum was taking place at a time when several African countries were experiencing armed conflicts and instability, leading to large-scale displacement of civilians and deepening humanitarian challenges.
“The continent is witnessing on-going wars and conflicts in which millions are displaced, while civilians continue to bear the greatest burden,” she added.
A member of the Steering Committee of the Forum, Mr. Naji Moulay Lasheen, says the platform remains essential for dialogue on pressing human rights issues affecting the continent.
He stressed that members of the African Commission must continue to speak freely and without fear in defence of human rights.
“The objective is to advance dignity across the continent. The situation of human rights in Africa is worsening every day. Human rights defenders, bloggers, and journalists are being targeted, detained, and in some cases killed,” he remarked.
He called for stronger protections for civil society actors and increased accountability for human rights violations.
Speaking on behalf of Gambia’s Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Aisatou Jallow Sey underscored the importance of the forum, describing it as a platform that amplified the voices of vulnerable groups and strengthened human rights mechanisms.
She highlighted the role of civil society organisations in public interest litigation, noting that collaboration between NGOs and the judiciary could improve access to justice and strengthen public confidence in the legal system.
The forum is expected to engage participants in discussions on policy frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and innovative approaches to ensuring equitable access to safe water and sanitation services.
Outcomes from the deliberations are expected to inform advocacy positions and recommendations that will be presented at the upcoming session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.