The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), in collaboration with the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), has convened the 7th Regional Human Rights Consultation in Abuja. The conference, held from July 1–3, focuses on the theme:
“Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations: The Role of NHRIs.”
The high-level gathering aims to strengthen the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the promotion and protection of human rights across West Africa. Key areas under discussion include:
Protection of migrants and internally displaced persons
Implementation of regional and international human rights frameworks
Conditions of detention and the need for prison reform
Expanding civic space and countering repressive practices
Establishing a sustainable reparative justice framework
Welcoming delegates, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria, expressed concern over escalating human rights violations in West Africa, driven by political instability, terrorism, climate change, and the shrinking civic space. He emphasized the need for solidarity among NHRIs to champion justice and dignity across the region.
Delivering opening remarks, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security—represented by Mr. Ebenezer Asiedu, Head of Democracy and Good Governance—highlighted the importance of reparatory justice as a means to redress historical and current human rights violations. He announced that the Commission is currently developing a regional transitional justice framework, urging participants to contribute towards a human rights-based approach in its design.
Declaring the consultation open, Dr. Salamatu H. Sulaiman, Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Board, stressed the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to build a unified agenda for reparative justice—one that restores dignity, fosters reconciliation, and secures long-term peace in West Africa.
Goodwill messages from UNOHCHR and UNOWAS officials reinforced the importance of the regional consultation as a platform for peer exchange, accountability, and collaborative human rights advocacy.
Notable attendees included Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, and Dr. Joseph Whittal, President of NNHRI-WA and Commissioner at Ghana’s CHRAJ, along with human rights leaders from across West Africa.
