Monday, October 24, 2011
Banjul, the Gambia
THE 50th SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE'S RIGHTS HAS STARTED OF WITH POSITIVE NOTE FROM THE CHAIR
Victor Mukasa
The 50th Session of the ACmHPR has taken off today and CAL is still at it. The opening session started off with the singing of the African Union anthem. Very long but meaningful. It calls for a better life for all Africans.
So many speeches but one very powerful speech was by the out-going Chairperson, Madam Reine Alapini-Gansou. She commended human rights defenders for the great work that they do in protecting and promoting human rights. She added there have been successes and that should be acknowledged. she said that there are still so many challenges in defending human rights at the Commission. She specifically encouraged NGOs and Commissioners to keep working and that some issues such as the rights of sexual minorities and land rights should be taken on.
Madam Alapini-Gansou is a very progressive human rights defender and has been very encouraging to defenders in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Her progressiveness will greatly be missed but work continues with other commissioners. We hope that the next chair will have a listening hear and ready for dialogue on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please keep checking. CAL is still in Banjul and we will keep you updated.
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