The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) hosted a networking event for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from Africa on April 22, 2024, at its head office in Addis Ababa. The gathering held on the sidelines of the Tenth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development brought together a group of representatives from NHRIs of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. Additionally, representatives from the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) and the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) participated, promoting a comprehensive and collaborative environment.
Designed to spark dialogue and inspire creative approaches, the event featured a captivating photography exhibition showcasing entries from EHRC’s Third Annual Human Rights Film Festival photography competition. This unique display served as a springboard for discussion, inspiring creative approaches to human rights advocacy. It also facilitated a sense of cultural exchange and camaraderie among participants.
The impact of the Human Rights Film Festival resonated with attendees. Participants expressed their appreciation for the festival’s innovative approach to raising awareness about critical human rights issues. Discussions revealed a strong interest in replicating similar initiatives, with some participants exploring the possibility of collaboration with the EHRC to implement such programs in their own countries, cultivating a promising path for broader regional impact.
EHRC’s Deputy Chief Commissioner, Rakeb Messele, delivered opening remarks that underscored the Commission’s experience in organizing the annual human rights film festival. Rakeb emphasized the importance of fostering stronger collaboration and coordination between NHRIs, highlighting the potential for collective action to advance human rights across Africa.
