Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), underscroed the pivotal role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in addressing the growing challenges resulting from the evolving migration dynamics across Africa. With the migration crisis intensifying, she emphasized, "As NHRIs, we play a key role in tackling migration-related challenges and safeguarding the rights of migrants. This includes addressing violations, monitoring and reporting, influencing laws and policies, and engaging with both national and international stakeholders to ensure migrants' rights are upheld.”
This statement came during her remarks at the first meeting of 2025 of the Working Group on Migration of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), held in Rabat, Morocco, on January 31, 2025.
Ms. Bouayach stressed that the urgency of the situation demands that migration issues be made a top priority. As the challenges surrounding migration grow more complex, the need for NHRIs to strengthen their commitment to addressing them has never been more critical.
She also noted that Mediterranean migration routes, particularly those in the western and central regions, are among the most perilous in the world, with over 20,000 lives lost or missing between 2014 and 2022. Ms. Bouayach added that these challenges, exacerbated by political instability, armed conflicts, and the devastating effects of climate change, require urgent attention.
The meeting reviewed key actions led by the NANHRI Working Group, including the development of a joint NHRI pledge initiative at the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing migration challenges.
Chaired CNDH's Chairperson, the meeting brought together representatives of NHRIsof the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. Discussions centered on the draft cooperation roadmap between the NANHRI and the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW), and the Working Group's involvement in COP29 activities. Participants highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action to address both migration challenges and the growing impacts of climate change, particularly in terms of adaptation strategies.
It is worth noting that the NANHRI Working Group on Migration was established by the CNDH and other African NHRIs with a view to providing a new framework for discussion and dialogue on migration and human rights. This initiative aims to ensure the continued exchange of experiences and foster collaboration between national institutions, civil society, governments, and other key stakeholders.
