In his message of solidarity to the Pan-African Parliament, Ali Hassan Bahdon, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Republic of Djibouti, hailed the continental body for its role in promoting human rights and consolidating democratic institutions and culture.
He called on members to advocate for the decolonization of human rights and to ensure that the concept aligns with the realities on the African continent.
Bahdon was, on Monday, addressing the Opening of the Sitting of the Permanent Committees and Other Organs of the Pan-African Parliament, taking place in Midrand, South Africa.
The sitting is held under the African Union theme for 2024: “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.”
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Close to 20 Parliamentarians from Cameroon, DRC, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Nigeria, and South Africa were sworn in as members of the Pan-African Parliament.
The new South African members included Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Mr Mdumiseni Ntuli, Ms Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and Mr Vuyani Pambo. They were appointed by both Houses of the South African Parliament to serve in the continental legislative body.
The Pan-African Parliament is a legislative organ of the African Union as set out by the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (Abuja Treaty).
It provides a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent, including matters pertaining to respect for human rights, the consolidation of democratic institutions and the culture of democracy, as well as the promotion of good governance and the rule of law.
The Parliament also promotes, among other things, the coordination and harmonisation of policies, measures, programmes, and activities of the Regional Economic Communities and the parliamentary fora on the continent.
