The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on African states to integrate human rights into their development agendas, emphasizing that progress without dignity, equality, and accountability falls short.
The remarks were made during the 8th National Human Rights Institutions Forum (NHRIs), held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre under the theme: “Human Rights and Development in Africa: Pathways to Dignity, Accountability and Inclusion.”
Delivering the welcome address, NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel Daniel Joof highlighted the crucial link between human rights and sustainable development.
“The 8th NHRI Forum is not just another meeting it is a call to action,” he said. “Africa’s development must be rooted in respect for human rights, accountability, and inclusion. This is also an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among NHRIs, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), civil society, and development partners to ensure that the promises of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 become realities for all Africans.”
Mr. Joof stressed that issues such as torture prevention, corruption, discrimination in service delivery, responsible business conduct, access to regional justice mechanisms, and inclusion of marginalized groups are not abstract policy areas they directly affect whether people live with dignity or despair.
“As National Human Rights Institutions, we sit at the intersection of rights, governance, and development. We must ensure that progress leaves no one behind, that justice systems protect rather than punish, and that development plans reflect the lived experiences of all, particularly the most vulnerable,” he added.
Dr. Joseph Whittal, Chairperson of the NHRIs, noted that national human rights institutions are increasingly recognized as key stakeholders globally. He called for stronger institutional support across Africa, warning that crises at the United Nations have impacted the protection and mandate of NHRI networks.
“Development without human rights is not true development,” Dr. Whittal said. “We must tackle poverty, corruption, and environmental governance challenges while promoting collective advocacy and peer learning. Our mission is to ensure Africa is not left behind in upholding human dignity.”
The forum brought together human rights institutions, civil society actors, and development partners to explore pathways for inclusive, accountable, and rights-based development across the continent.
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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on African states to integrate human rights into their development agendas, emphasizing…
The post NHRC Urges African States to Make Human Rights Central to Development appeared first on .
