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The Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders in Africa, Ms Lucy Asuagbor, will be in Bujumbura next week (19 July) to take part in a panel discussion event, alongside civil society and government representatives.
Ms Asuagbor is the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
There will be two panel discussions held: the first focused on the upcoming 30th anniversary of the African Charter – a key regional human rights tool; and the second, on the protection of human rights defenders working in Burundi.
The meeting is being organised by the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), in collaboration with Forum pour le Renforcement des Organisations de la Société Civile (FORSC) and the East and Horn of African Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRDN). It is being funded by the European Union.
ISHR’s Regional and National Programme Manager, Clément Nyaletsossi Voulé says it is a real privilege to have Ms Asuagbor in Burundi to participate in the discussions – together with government ministers, representatives of the European Union, United Nations and civil society organisations.
‘The aim is to provide a platform for dialogue between civil society and government actors. Each panel will feature representatives from both groups.
‘As we approach the 30th anniversary of the African Charter later this month it’s a good time to consider and discuss the human rights obligations of governments and civil society organisations across the continent. This will be the focus of the first panel discussion,’ says Mr Nyaletsossi Voulé.
‘The second discussion, on protection of human rights defenders at the national level, will be an opportunity to hear a range of perspectives on how to address the key challenges faced by human rights defenders.
‘The International Service for Human Rights is committed to supporting human rights defenders – so we’re pleased to work with our partners, FORSC and EHAHRDN, to provide a platform for discussion on these important issues,’ he says.
Ms Asuagbor will be in Burundi for three days in total, during which time she will also have separate informal meetings with non-governmental organisations, members of the media, trade unions and government representatives.
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