Banjul, The Gambia, October 4, 2023 – Six members of the The African Parliamentarians Association for Human Rights (AfriPAHR) Steering Group, constituting Parliamentarians from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and The Gambia held the annual meeting in Banjul, The Gambia from September 30 to October 1 2023 at the Bagadaji Hotel.
The AfriPAHR Steering Group Meeting was organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) and funded by the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) and the Freedom of Religion or Belief Leadership Network (FoRBLN). It was hosted by The Gambian Parliamentary Caucus on Fredom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
The meeting discussed the performance of the network and how to make it more active and responsive to its members, funders and stakeholders. The Steering Group reviewed the advancements made since their previous gathering in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, especially concerning the execution of the 2023 work plan. Additionally, they strategized for 2024.
At the end of the two day meeting, the Steering Group:
- Discussed and approve the AfriPAHR Communication and Advocacy Strategy, Guidelines for AfriPAHR Communications and Advocacy, as well as a Calendar for Communication and Advocacy for AfriPAHR for 2024.
- Agreed to expand the network by setting up and launching three more Parliamentary Caucuses in South Africa, Nigeria and Tanzania.
- Decided that the year 2024 work plan will entail at least one activity assigned to each and every caucus – The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Malawi as part of efforts to recruit more members and expand the network.
- Discussed and adopted its work plan for 2024.
- Moving forward, Steering Group members who cannot attend meetings in person should have the option to participate virtually. This ensures their involvement in the decision-making process. Additionally, former members of parliament eager to stay engaged in AfriPAHR activities can also make use of this virtual option.
For further information, please contact:
Ibrahim Maida Inusah, Project Officer ACEPA – Ibrahim.inusah@acepa-africa.org
Hon. Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, Chair of AfriPAHR Steering Committee – kwankwayomzi@gmail.com
Editor’s/Background Notes:
The African Parliamentarians Association for Human Rights (AfriPAHR) is an independent, non-partisan network of parliamentarians from the African continent that works to advance democracy, freedom of religion or belief and human rights to build a fairer and inclusive Africa, through diplomacy and fostering strategic alliances between nations.
International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB): Is a global network of parliamentarians and legislators from around the world committed to combating religious persecution and advancing freedom of religion or belief, as defined by Article 18 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. IPPFoRB focuses on growing a diverse and collaborative global network and building the capacity of parliamentarians to act as agents of change in support of freedom of religion or belief both at home and abroad.
Freedom of Religion or Belief Leadership Network (FoRBLN): Is a network of parliamentarians and belief leaders from 4 Countries across Africa (The Gambia and Sierra Leone) and South Asia (Bangladesh and Pakistan) who are dedicated to promoting freedom of religion or belief in their national and local communities. FoRBLN exists to address the legislative barriers to freedom of religion or belief and social mores that support societal hostility towards groups and individuals on account of their religion or belief
African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA): Is an African not-for-profit organization registered in Ghana. It is dedicated to building the capacity of African Parliaments and elected representative bodies at all levels of governance. ACEPA supports African countries in ensuring effective performance throughout the governance chain – from local to national representative institutions. ACEPA has excellent working relationships with more than 20 African countries/Parliaments. Its dedicated staff have more than 40 years combined work experience with Parliaments and Legislative institutions in Africa.