The representatives of National Human Rights Institutions from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states have called on actors of the Sudan conflict to desist from violence. In a statement on Friday, the member states said that Sudan actors should instead embrace dialogue as a mode of achieving sustainable solutions. ‘We, the members of the Network of IGAD NHRIS stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and their aspiration for a peaceful nation where human rights are respected and dignity is upheld,’ the statement read. ‘We support the efforts of the IGAD Quadrilateral mechanism in seeking to resolve the conflict in Sudan.’ The network condemned the human rights violations of international humanitarian law perpetuated with the vulnerable groups including women, children, persons with disabilities and elderly persons bearing the brunt of the war. The members’ states include Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda. This is after IGAD – Political Affairs Program of the Peace Security Division held a three-day validation workshop in Mombasa. The workshop was meant to deliberate on a draft mandate that seeks to establish a joint network of NHRIS from the IGAD Member States. ‘Recognizing that the countries in the IGAD region face similarities in challenges with regard to human rights issues, we believe a common platform will provide the synergy required to effectively promote and protect human rights,’ the statement read. ‘This reinforces the need for National Human Rights Institutions to strategically position themselves and ensure the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by bridging the gap between the State and the people.’ According to the statement, the network will enhance the promotion and protection of human rights across the sub-region of IGAD. They said the launch of the network is a new dawn in the realization of human rights in the IGAD region. ‘This Network of IGAD NHRIS aims at providing a platform that shall foster cooperation, collaboration, and communication among the NHRIs of IGAD Member States toward the execution of their respective mandates in the promotion and protection of human rights,’ the statement read. They further resolved to strengthen information sharing and develop intervention strategies that effectively address cross-border pertinent human rights violations in the IGAD region. The Network commits to strengthening the early warning and prevention mechanisms and timely address human rights violations in the IGAD region. They committed to facilitating experience sharing, peer learning, and best practices on monitoring, promotion, and protection of human and people’s rights. ‘This Network shall also be a platform for joint communication on human rights issues within the IGAD region,’ they said.
Source: Somali National News Agency