ISHR
Concerned about the increasing numbers of unresolved cases, the NGO Forum held ahead of the 85th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights looked at ways to address impunity for human rights violations in Africa.
Human rights defenders are victims of impunity resulting from the shrinking of civic space and attacks that undermine their liberty and security. These risks increase further in conflict zones. Acknowledging this, speakers at the fifth panel of the NGO Forum discussed the need to end impunity on the continent.
Taking the example of countries in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the panel looked at the ways to break the cycle of impunity, convinced that ending impunity will respectively contribute to justice, peace, good governance, and the rule of law.
Panellists stressed the key role of documentation and provision of accurate information in the process of reparation and ending impunity. They proposed to consider transitional justice mechanisms, including the creation of an African reparation fund, which looks beyond compensation to cover the injustice of the past, the violation of the present, and prevent repetition in the future.
Impunity is a poison that nourishes war, destroys trust, and suffocates peace.Elisha Mutabunga, panellist and advocacy officer at SOS IJM
At a Human Rights Council debate with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, ISHR delivered a joint statement with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action and the Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa.
At the last session of its current membership, the NGO Committee’s rate of approval for organisations awaiting consultative status dropped to a record low of 5% amidst continued politicisation of NGO engagement at the UN.
During its 87th session, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) heard about the human rights situation on the continent, reviewed the periodic report of the Republic of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and of the Republic of Kenya, and held different panels to advance the protection of human rights on specific themes and countries.
