Geneva – The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) officially announced today, during its General Assembly at the United Nations in Geneva, Africa’s full endorsement and support for Amina Bouayach’s candidacy to chair the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), on behalf of Africa.

In January, NANHRI formally submitted Ms. Bouayach’s candidacy to GANHRI. Ms. Bouayach, NANHRI said, “as the current GANHRI Secretary, has demonstrated exceptional leadership, most notably during her tenure co-leading GANHRI for the past three years. Her extensive experience in representing GANHRI in international forums, her strategic leadership in overseeing key processes, and her longstanding commitment to the advancement of human rights make her an ideal candidate for this esteemed position.”

Ms. Bouayach’s candidacy has garnered overwhelming support from NANHRI, ensuring broad African support for her leadership, and reflecting confidence in her vision and ability to lead GANHRI into the future. NANHRI emphasized that her election would provide continuity in leadership, uphold GANHRI’s values, and further strengthen its mandate on the global stage.

Joseph Whittal, current Chairperson of NANHRI and President of Ghana's NHRI, affirmed Africa’s support, stating: “Africa is fully behind the candidacy of Amina Bouayach as the incoming Chairperson of the Global Alliance of NHRIs… We have voted overwhelmingly to support her nomination.”

Gilbert Sebihogo, Executive Director of NANHRI, echoed this sentiment: “Unanimously, the African group has supported the candidacy of Ms. Amina Bouayach. As GANHRI Secretary, she has represented us effectively. We are counting on Ms. Bouayach to carry Africa’s voice to the global stage.”

The candidacy of Ms. Amina Bouayach is a natural choice—one that every NHRI should support, Ms Namizata Sangaré, President of the NHRI of the Côte d’Ivoire added. At the African Network, we are convinced she will lead GANHRI brilliantly.”

With Africa’s unified endorsement, Amina Bouayach’s candidacy reflects the continent’s commitment to stronger NHRIs. The name of the GANHRI's Chairperson will be officially announced on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, at the Global Alliance’s General Assembly.