Together for human rights in Africa

LWF delegates from the Africa region to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

(LWI) – For the first time, a delegation from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) participated in the sessions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).

The team, made up of delegates from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria and the LWF World Service country programs in Kenya, Somalia and Angola, participated in forums and to sessions to highlight the human rights challenges faced by the communities they serve. in the African continent.

The NGO forum, which is facilitated by the African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), is a mechanism that discusses human rights issues in Africa and develops recommendations. Photo: ALCINET/F. Samari

“Africa as a continent faces several human rights challenges, some of which have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – issues such as food crisis and hunger, gender-based violence , the climate crisis, conflict and mass displacement of people,” said Isaiah Toroitich, LWF Global Advocacy Manager.

Protection of women, children and refugees

Based on the key advocacy objectives of the LWF, representatives advocated for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, the right to education, land rights, child protection and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. in Africa.

The African Commission provides an opportunity and space for civil society organizations to engage in highlighting human rights concerns and sharing experiences, best practices and challenges.

“The African Commission provides an opportunity and space for civil society organizations, including religious actors, to engage in highlighting human rights concerns and sharing experiences, best practices and challenges. This is essential for our advocacy work within the LWF,” Toroitich said.

Networking with faith partners

Collins Omundu, Education Manager for Curriculum Quality and Implementation for the Kenya-Djibouti-Somalia Program of the LWF World Service, who led the delegation, said, “During our sessions with other organizations we have shared our work and experience in refugee education, minority rights, emotional land rights issues in Angola and the rights and support that women and girls have need to play an important role in their communities.

“These are critical human rights issues that the ACHPR can help resolve for the benefit of all,” Omundu added.

Participants engaged in networks and bilateral meetings with other faith-based organizations such as the All Africa Conference of Churches. They also met with representatives of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and human rights networks in Africa.

According to Loerose Mbise, a serving LWF board member who was part of the team, “The LWF again provides a platform for member churches to find their voice in the development of human rights in Africa. It is a commendable step.

By ALCINET/F. Samari edited by LWF staff

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