Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA)

The Arusha Initiative convened a strategy consultations to develop a plan for sub-regional and national level engagements for rights-holders participation around the nomination and selection of members of human rights mechanisms in Africa. Grateful to Musa Kika of Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), Joseph Bikanda of DefendDefenders Jessica Ramirez Moreno, and Japhet Beigon of Amnesty International for joining the conversations.

Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) is happy to have been profiled in this powerful article. A must read on this #AfricaHumanRightsDay. We extend heartfelt thanks to David Barnard for highlighting our work on his blog, alongside other #humanrights organizations operating across Africa. Our Deputy Executive Director, Michael Gyan Nyarko, had this to say: "The commemoration of Africa Human Rights Day provides an opportunity for African governments and peoples to recommit themselves to the ideals of human rights, democracy and the rule of law that are espoused in the African Charter and the desire for an Africa that respects, protects and fulfils the human rights of all its peoples." #HumanRights #Africa #HumanRightsDay 

10/10/24: ACERWC holds hearing on the merits in a case evoking #Nigeria’s failure to protect #children accused of #witchcraft @ ongoing #ACERWC44 in Maseru, Lesotho. Case filed in December 2021 by Nigeria-based CSO Child Rights And Rehabilitation Network (CRARN), Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) & Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, alleges #Nigeria has failed to protect these children from discrimination, torture & inhumane treatment, resulting in violation of their rights, as provided for by African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child & other human rights instruments ratified by #Nigeria.

IHRDA Board appoints Dr. Musa Kika as new Executive Director Dr. Kika, who assumed duty on 1 October 2024, is a Zimbabwean lawyer with experience in human rights, int’l development, as well as organisational management at regional & int’l levels. He holds a PhD in Law with a specialisation in Constitutional & Administrative Law from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Welcome to IHRDA, Musa!!! https://lnkd.in/erAbmryP

IHRDA, 25/09/24, concludes national stakeholder dialogue in Lilongwe, Malawi, on implementation of amicable settlement agreement reached in October 2016 in Malawi Children’s case. Activity supported by Open Society Foundations. https://lnkd.in/eSM4u7Gt ACERWC Robert Nanima Chipo Irene Rushwaya (PhD) Lydia W Kembabazi

24/9/24: IHRDA invites qualified & interested persons to apply for position of legal researcher @ ACERWC. Deadline for applications is 8 October 2024. Available positions & terms of reference available @ https://lnkd.in/gyfcaZ_C

[RECAP] Over the last 2 days, 10-11/09/24, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights heard a case brought before it by Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, #IHRDA & Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) against #Tanzania, & adjourned for judgment. The case filed in July 2018 alleged that #Tanzania failed to take sufficient measures to ward against the widespread persecution & discrimination perpetrated by the public against persons with albinism (#PWAs). The suit alleged that #Tanzania is in violation of their right to life & security of the person; the prohibition against torture, degrading & inhumane treatment; the prohibition of sale, trafficking & abduction of children; the right to non-discrimination; the right to dignity, & the right to an effective remedy. The suit further requests the Court to order the United Republic of Tanzania to adopt a comprehensive national strategy to ensure the protection of the rights, welfare & interests of PWAs, including formulation of policies, enactment of laws, & prosecution of perpetrators. The Applicants also demand, among others, compensation, rehabilitation & psycho-social support for affected victims & their families. It is worth noting that the UN Independent Expert on Albinism submitted an amicus curiae in the matter, adding their voice & expertise to this cause. More details @: https://lnkd.in/eqN5aF3r Michael Gyan Nyarko Chipo Irene Rushwaya (PhD) #HumanRights #Albinism #Advocacy #PWAs

IHRDA welcomes new Deputy Executive Director, Michael Gyan Nyarko. Michael holds postgraduate degrees from University of Oxford & University of Pretoria. He hails from #Ghana, & has experience working on children’s rights issues, litigation, legal research & advocacy. He has been a lawyer for over 10 years. We are glad to have him on board! https://lnkd.in/e56yZyT8 #humanrights #lawyer #staff

IHRDA welcomes new Legal Officer, Dr. Gilbert Hagabimana. Dr. Hagabimana holds a PhD in Law with a specialisation in Public International Law from the University of Bayreuth, Germany, & an LL.M. from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He hails from #Burundi, & has experience working on #childrenrights, #FreedomOfExpression, litigation, legal research & advocacy. He is also an attorney, with a wealth of experience litigating cases before Burundian courts. https://lnkd.in/eTaT9KN9

IHRDA bids farewell to Sébastien Offredo (CAN) & Kevin Anyonge (KEN), who spent the past 3 months as #legalIntern & #CommunicationFellow, respectively @ IHRDA. Sebastien, who helped with research to support our work on extractive industries, came to IHRDA within the framework of longstanding partnership between McGill University in Canada & IHRDA on internship placements for McGill University – Faculty of Law students. “This is my first time in Africa, & I didn’t know what to expect; but I have had a really good time, especially learning about the African human rights system. I want to thank everyone, especially my supervisors, for giving me the support.” Kevin, who came to IHRDA within the framework of a knowledge sharing experience under our partnership with Mtoto News, said: “I had a short but wonderful stay @ IHRDA. I’m taking home a lot of knowledge which I intend to incorporate into our work. I want to thank everyone for their collaboration & guidance.” The supervisors lauded their brilliance, sense of commitment & dedication. We are happy to have had them @ IHRDA & appreciate their contribution to our work. Best wishes!