Geneva, March 11, 2025, at the Palais des Nations – In a landmark moment for African leadership in global human rights advocacy, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) has unanimously elected Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), as its new President.

Ms. Bouayach secured unanimous support from GANHRI’s three other regional components—Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe—marking a second historic moment for African leadership in global human rights advocacy and the enhancement of national institutions’ role and effectiveness in protecting and promoting human rights worldwide. The announcement was made by Mr. Vladlen Stefanov, Head of the National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who confirmed the full support of all "A"-status accredited NHRIs for her presidency.

This election follows months of strong and explicit support from the African group, which had officially endorsed the candidacy of Ms. Bouayach to chair the GANHRI in January 2025. Mr. Joseph Whittal, Chairperson of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), praised her “exceptional leadership” during her tenure co-leading GANHRI over the past three years. He highlighted her strategic vision, international advocacy, and unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and freedoms at national, regional, continental, and global levels. Her nomination received strong backing from NANHRI members.

Expressing gratitude, Ms. Bouayach stated, “Your support is a valuable source of motivation, and I am honored by your trust in me to lead GANHRI for the next three years.” A decade after South Africa’s leadership under Mr. Mabedle Lawrence Mushwana, she emphasized Africa’s renewed presence at the helm, demonstrating the continent’s collective commitment to human rights beyond geographical borders.

In a world where pressures on rights and freedoms are rising, and both traditional and emerging challenges and opportunities are expanding, Ms. Bouayach affirmed, “I consider this role and position an honor and a responsibility that I fully understand.” From digital transformation and shrinking civic space to armed conflicts, gender equality, violence against women, climate change, environmental safety, and economic inequalities, she reaffirmed the urgent need for renewed vigilance and collective action to ensure that no one is left behind.

Ms. Bouayach succeeds outgoing GANHRI President Maryam Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson of Qatar's National Human Rights Committee. Meanwhile, Ms. Alyson Kilpatrick, Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, will take over as GANHRI Secretary, succeeding Ms. Bouayach in that role.

The election process and results were overseen by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.