At commemoration of 20th anniversary: UNCHRD-CA urges states, partners to renew commitment.

Nouhoum Sangare, who also serves as regional representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, made the appeal Monday November 4. This was during the commemoration of the 20^th anniversary of UNCHRD-CA in Yaounde. 

The ceremony was presided over by the interim Secretary General at the Ministry of External Relations, Bindzi Edimbi Gervais, who represented Minister Mbella Mbella.

UNCHRD-CA has, since its creation two decades ago, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN General Assembly, and the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, ensured the effectiveness of human rights and democracy.

In his address, Nouhoum Sangare recognised the efforts of states and non-state actors over the last 20 years. He said the level of commitment has been on the rise in the region by the number of human rights instruments, regional or international treaties being ratified by states and the regular submission of reports.

“We have seen on many fronts, be they civilian, political, economic, social and cultural rights, but also the rights of some specific groups like women, children, Persons Living with Disabilities, PWD’s, and indigenous people. We have seen a lot of positive changes in the lives of these people,” Sangare said.

He said that the commemoration of the UNCHRD-CA’s 20^th anniversary provided an opportunity to renew their commitment to human rights and democracy. He revealed that rekindling their pledges were essential pillars for peace, security and inclusive, sustainable development in Central Africa.

“This commemoration is an opportunity to renew commitment, look back at the achievements and more importantly look forward to these challenges and see how we can come together and address them,” Sangare revealed.

Enter MINREX representative

Speaking earlier, the representative of the Ministry of External Relations, Bindzi Edimbi Gervais, said that the creation of UNCHRD-CA was proof of the dedication of member countries to protect human rights and the rule of law.

The interim Secretary General at MINREX also heaped praises on UNCHRD-CA for its support in implementing human rights and strengthening democracy among member states.

He mentioned that as host of the headquarters of the prestigious organisation, Cameroon, has continued to make multiple efforts throughout the national territory to ensure that UNCHRD-CA attains its objectives. 

Officials immortalise event with group photograph 

Zoom into UNCHRD-CA’s successes, failures in 20 years

Among its achievements, the UNCHRD-CA has supported the states of the sub-region in ratifying and implementing all the main international human rights legal instruments, including by providing support for the preparation of initial and periodic reports to the relevant treaty bodies.

Also, sub-regional and national consultations organised by UNCHRD-CA have provided a forum for dialogue on fundamental concerns relating to the inclusion and political participation of discriminated groups, such as people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and women.

The Centre has also supported States' efforts to fulfil their obligations under economic, social and cultural rights, helping to ease social tensions generated by deteriorating living conditions.

As UNCHRD-CA commemorates its 20th anniversary, it faces new challenges. According to the Director of UNCHRD-CA, human rights issues arising from various types of insecurity are linked to factors like crises and armed conflicts, terrorism, electoral violence, maritime piracy and climate change.

Also, Sangare bemoaned the fact that despite the abundance of natural resources in Africa and the sub-region, national populations and communities are still faced with urgent needs and remain largely exposed to poverty.

About UNCHRD-CA

The United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa, UNCHRD-CA, was created at the request of the member states of the Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS.

It is on the initiative of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa, UNSAC, which is made up of the same member states as ECCAS.

The United Nations General Assembly resolutions of December 5, 1998 and December 1, 1999 provided the framework for the establishment of this centre.

The UNCHRD-CA acts as the Regional Office for Central Africa of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR. 

It covers the following countries: Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Sao Tome and Principe. The centre, which began operations in March 2000, was officially inaugurated in June 2002 by the former High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson.

It is worth mentioning that the 20^th anniversary of UNCHRD-CA ties with the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Centre's 20^th anniversary event will culminate in the adoption of the Yaoundé Declaration as a means of renewing and strengthening the commitment of Central African states and other actors and partners to human rights and democracy.