Pan African Human Rights And Social Justice Conference Nairobi, 2024

In conference

As the Pan-African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference in Nairobi draws to a close, it leaves behind a powerful narrative on the symbiotic relationship between human rights and counter-terrorism efforts in Africa. The conference, themed “Human Rights and Counter Terrorism,” provided a platform for civil society actors, government officials, security experts, and human rights defenders to delve into the complexities and interdependencies of these two critical areas.

Background

The conference underscored the notion that human rights and security are not competing interests but are, in fact, complementary. With the African continent’s ongoing quest for peace and stability, the discussions highlighted that true security transcends military might and border controls, rooting itself in the protection and promotion of human rights.

The Framework

Participants examined the conceptual framework of human rights, security, and counter-terrorism, emphasizing the need for a balance that ensures security while upholding human rights standards. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and various counter-terrorism conventions were cited as legal backbones supporting this equilibrium.