Joseph Wemakor gets UN Special Rapporteur invite to high-level Pan Africa Human Rights Conference in Nairobi

Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Joseph Kobla Wemakor has been personally invited to the prestigious Pan Africa Human Rights and Social Justice Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

The invitation comes from Ben Saul, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

Scheduled for June 8 and 9, 2024, at the esteemed Argyle Grand Hotel, this conference aims to explore the development of a human rights-compliant approach to counter-terrorism in Africa.

The goal is to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including African civil society organizations, state institutions, and regional bodies such as the United Nations.

The outcomes of this conference will be instrumental in shaping the Special Rapporteur’s upcoming report to the General Assembly in October 2024. The report will highlight the roles of regional and sub-regional organizations in countering terrorism while ensuring the protection of human rights.

In an interview, Wemakor expressed his excitement about the invitation, highlighting the opportunity to engage with leading human rights advocates, experts, and policymakers to discuss human rights protections in the context of counter-terrorism strategies across the continent.

Wemakor, a well-respected Ghanaian human rights activist, dedicated humanitarian, and influential journalist, is also a member of the G16 Regional Security Advocacy Group (G16RSAC), which focuses on enhancing security processes in the West African sub-region through research, advocacy, networking, and capacity building.

The conference will also provide a platform for the G16RSAC group to engage with the UN Special Rapporteur’s office on human rights protection in counter-terrorism efforts specific to Africa.

This interaction will enable the group to raise awareness of terrorism issues in the region, discuss root causes and impacts, and understand the efforts of African states in addressing these challenges.

During the meeting, the G16 members will have the opportunity to propose solutions aligned with global human rights standards in the fight against terrorism in Africa.

Additionally, they will discuss next steps for regional action, develop strategies for engagement, and identify key stakeholders for collaboration within the region.