The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has called on the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take urgent steps to address the increasing cases of human rights abuses in West Africa.
The group made this call while addressing the Parliament at the ongoing First Ordinary Session of the 6th legislature in Abuja, stressing that it has become incumbent on the parliamentarians to initiate legislative action about this vexed matter to save citizens of the region from excruciating experiences.
IHRC representative, Jane Doe, told the Parliament that right abuses in the sub region range from political repression, gender-based violence and lack of access to essential services to terrorism and discrimination.
“Authoritarian regimes dominate and suppress dissent, violating basic rights and perpetuating instability. Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual harassment, remains prevalent, and access to quality education and healthcare is limited,” she said.
It pointed out that terrorism and insecurity have a very huge toll on human rights, saying that West Africa has recorded over 1,800 terrorist attacks in West Africa in the first half of 2023, resulting in nearly 4,600 deaths.
The group said further that has become incumbent on the regional legislature to promote gender equality, enhance access to justice, build partnerships, and regional and intergovernmental cooperation to address the matter urgently.
Another IHRC representative, John Smith in his submission said “The International Human Rights Commission advocates for regional and intergovernmental cooperation to address human rights issues effectively. Collaboration is paramount in ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights within the region.”
The Parliament led by Speaker Memounatou Ibrahima assured the right group of its commitment to champion the defense and advancement of human rights within the region and pledged more efforts to integrate human rights considerations into its policies and initiatives.
IHRC has been actively engaged in promoting human rights in West Africa, including initiatives in Nigeria, Ghana, Cabo Verde, and Cote d’Ivoire. The organization has established partnerships with various stakeholders, including electoral commissions, to strengthen democracy and good governance.
