AU urged to review strategies to end Africa’s conflict
January 24, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) — As the leaders of African Union countries gather for summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, an international human rights group urged the Union to incorporate “civilian protection” and “rejection of impunity” in strategies to end conflicts.
In a letter sent to AU heads of states, the New York based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that, the African Union (AU) should improve its strategies for civilian protection and accountability in its efforts to end ongoing crises on the continent.
“African heads of state declared 2010 the ‘Year of Peace and Security in Africa’ for compelling reasons,” said Aloys Habimana, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
“Now they need to act, by coming up with long-term solutions for armed conflicts and stronger measures to protect civilians and ensure justice for victims of atrocities.”
The AU will hold a Summit meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January 25 to February 4, 2010.
Discussions and deliberations ahead of the 14th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit opens on Monday 25 January 2010, with the Nineteenth Ordinary Session of the meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) which will hold up till the 26th of January 2010, at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The PRC will consider items on the agenda of the Summit and submit their report to the Executive Council.
The Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is scheduled to take place on 28 and 29 January 2010 at the AU headquarters. The Council will consider and adopt the report of the PRC.
Meanwhile, the 14th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union will take place from 31st January to 2nd February 2010; at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The rights group called on African leaders to increase their attention to justice for victims of serious crimes, referring in particular to African Union discussion of a proposal to extend the power of the UN Security Council to suspend International Criminal Court activities under article 16 of the Rome Statute to the UN General Assembly.
The HRW warned the African leaders to avoid such stance because it would increase the risks of political interference in the court’s work. The AU should also focus on making the African Court on Human and People’s Rights a more robust institution, the group suggested.
“The AU has a tremendous opportunity to further the cause of justice on the African continent,” Habimana said. “Only by taking steps to ensure accountability for human rights violations can African states contribute effectively to justice, lasting peace, and long-term stability.”
(ST)