Pan-African Parliament’s Justice and Human Rights Committee Presents Activity Report, Sparking Engaged Debate

The Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) Committee on Justice and Human Rights, led by Chairperson Hon. Jean Marie Nibirantije (Burundi), on Wednesday presented its comprehensive activity report covering the period from September to November 2024. The report highlighted key initiatives and engagements aimed at strengthening human rights protections across Africa, including collaborative efforts with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, participation in the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) Forum, and the 81st session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR)​.

The report underscored a significant joint technical meeting with the African Court in Arusha, Tanzania, aimed at formalizing cooperation to bolster human rights across the continent. Key outcomes included the signing of a Draft Framework Agreement that outlined strategic and programmatic synergies between the PAP and the African Court. Additionally, the Committee participated in a NANHRI forum that focused on aligning human rights mechanisms with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Agenda 2063 Goal 11, highlighting the PAP's role in promoting a Human Rights-Based Approach.

Member Contributions and Debates

Following the report, a lively debate ensued among PAP members, with representatives from various member states sharing insights and suggestions to advance the human rights agenda:

• Hon. Esther Passaris (Kenya) emphasized the importance of comprehensive sex education for children, arguing that it enables youth to understand the consequences of their behavior while fostering respect for human rights. She criticized the restrictive influence of customs and traditions on human rights progress and expressed hope that a stronger African Court could reduce reliance on the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
• Senator Mungatana Danson (Kenya) stressed the importance of respecting and implementing the judgments of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. He called on member states to honor these decisions as a testament to their commitment to justice and human rights.
• Hon. Sulayman Saho (Gambia) highlighted the urgent need to respect women’s rights and protect children from labor abuses, advocating for stronger measures against child exploitation and upholding the dignity of women across Africa.

The report and ensuing discussions reflect a shared commitment within the PAP to enhancing human rights protections and addressing complex social issues. Recommendations include accelerating the development of a Model Law for implementing African human rights decisions, increasing collaboration with NANHRI, and advocating for the financial empowerment of national human rights institutions to maintain independence and accountability at the national level.

This PAP session marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s ongoing efforts to establish a robust human rights framework across Africa, leveraging partnerships and collective action to foster justice and equality continent-wide.