The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) participated in a validation workshop on the draft mandate and launching of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) Network, which took place in Mombasa, Kenya, from 21 to June 23, 2023.
The Workshop brought together NHRIs and other human rights-mandated national institutions from IGAD Member States, particularly Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.
The objective of the workshop was to review and adopt the agreement on establishing the IGAD NHRIs Network. Following extensive deliberations on the draft agreement, the NHRIs of the aforementioned IGAD countries adopted and launched the IGAD NHRIs Network on June 23, 2023.
The IGAD NHRIs Network aims to enhance the capacity of and foster collaboration among NHRIs of IGAD countries and assist each NHRI to fully conform with the principles relating to the status of National Human Rights Institutions (the Paris Principles) towards the execution of their promotion, and protection of human rights mandate.
During the Workshop, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, noted that “the Agreement marks a significant milestone to promote good governance and rule of law through the promotion of human rights and enhancing the capacity of NHRIs in Member States.” He reiterated IGAD’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration and peace.
The Chief Commissioner of EHRC, Dr. Daniel Bekele expressed his appreciation to IGAD for facilitating and supporting the deliberations that led to the establishment of the IGAD NHRIs Network, adding that “EHRC is honoured to be a founding Member of the Network which aims to strengthen cooperation and communication among the IGAD NHRIs including coordination to respond to human rights issues in the sub-region and sharing of experiences.”
