By Kebba AF Touray
The report of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has indicated that West Africa is faced with challenges such as terrorism, insecurity, discrimination, marginalization, gender based violence and lack of access to essential services.
The IHRC made this statement in its report on the Human Rights Situation in West Africa, which was presented before Regional Lawmakers at the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, on Thursday, 18 July 2024.
On terrorism and insecurity, the report detailed that terrorism and insecurity clearly have a real and direct impact on human rights in West Africa as both pose devastating consequences for the enjoyment of the right to life, liberty, stability and regional development.
During the first half of 2023, West Africa experienced over 1,800 terrorist attacks, resulting in nearly 4,600 deaths, the report stated.
These attacks, as outlined in the report, have dire humanitarian consequences. It is worthy of note that the level of hunger and starvation within the region is not only attributive to government policies, but also terrorism and insecurity which keeps the farmers from their daily drill of farming thereby leading to limited food supply, it noted.
Political repression is another factor captured in the report as one that poses challenge on the enjoyment of human rights. The report mentioned that many countries in West Africa have experienced political instability and authoritarian regimes, dominating and suppressing dissent among their citizens.
“These repressive governments violate the basic rights of their people, leading to ongoing instability and unrest in the region,” it says.
It disclosed that the discrimination and marginalization of ethnic and religious minorities are prevalent in West Africa, further exacerbating social and economic disparities. It stressed that these marginalised groups face barriers to advancement and are often excluded from decision-making processes, leading to continued cycles of oppression and inequality in the region.
“Education and healthcare remains a significant challenge for a large portion of the population in West Africa,” the report added.
The report further indicated that the lack of quality education and healthcare services contribute to the cycle of poverty and inequality in the region, with many individuals unable to reach their full potential due to limited opportunities.
According to the report, some of the proposed solutions include but not limited to the need to have a robust legal framework that meet international human rights standards in member states of ECOWAS.
“It is imperative that all individuals’ rights are protected adequately through these legal systems,” it said.
The report called for the vigorous promotion and implementation of gender equality through policies and programmes that empower women and girls to access education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
The report reiterated the need for enhancing access to justice within the ECOWAS states to ensure that all individuals have the means to seek legal remedies for human rights violations. It emphasised that the establishment of independent judicial systems is necessary to guarantee this access.
In combating terrorism, which is seen as one of the drivers of insecurity in West Africa, the report explained that regional cooperation will play a crucial role, which by all standards create an environment where human rights is protected.
The IHRC report was presented to regional lawmakers by the head of diplomatic mission of the IHRC Commission, AMB, Dr. Duru Hezekiah, at the 2024 first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament.
