Armed conflicts and summary executions were on the agenda recently in Benin, at the 28th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples? Rights. From 23 October to 6 November 2000, this Session was well attended by African National Human Rights Institutions as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations. South Africa was represented by delegates from government, the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission on Gender Equality and NGOs.
Delegates reflected on human rights issues and challenges in the various countries. Key amongst these were arbitrary and inhuman detention, indigenous peoples and the situations in Palestine, Burundi and the Ivory Coast. In-depth reports were given on Benin and Egypt, both reporting noticeable advancements in human rights. Despite the enormous challenges in Africa and limited budgets, the African Commission was encouraged by the increased participation and the visible energy of the delegates. The Commission is making gradual but steady progress in the pursuit of protecting and promoting human rights on the African continent. It is hoped that South Africa?s vital involvement in and support for its work will continue.
Major future events include a Conference on Freedom of Expression in Johannesburg (from 22-25 November 2000) and planning for involvement in the World Conference on Racism. Some priorities for attention are: slavery, education, asylum, disability, socio-economic and cultural rights and torture. The next African Commission Session is scheduled for April 2001 in Libya.
Ends
For further information on the Freedom of Expression Seminar or for the full text of the ?Final Communiqué” is issued by the African Commission, please contact:
South African Human Rights Commission
Tel: (011) 484 8300
Dr B Pityana (083 284 1754) or Mr J Kollapen (083 265 3611)
Issued by the SAHRC, 17 November 2000
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