Morocco’s Amina Bouayach Elected as Chairperson of GANHRI

Amina Bouayach has been elected as the chairperson of GANHRI, marking a significant return of African leadership in the global human rights sphere. Her presidency comes during critical times, facing numerous challenges to human rights advocacy that necessitate collective action and vigilance.

Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), was unanimously elected as the chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) during its General Assembly in Geneva. This significant event occurred on the sidelines of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, with all A-status accredited national human rights institutions (NHRIs) voting in her favor. The elections are conducted under the supervision of the United Nations.

Bouayach’s candidacy received widespread support from NHRI representatives across all global regions, originating from her nomination by the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI). The NANHRI formally endorsed her candidacy at the General Assembly, marking a notable achievement as Africa regains the position of GANHRI president after a decade.

Following her election, Bouayach expressed her gratitude and honor for the support she received from her African colleagues and human rights advocates globally. She highlighted the unwavering commitment of African NHRIs in safeguarding human rights and their essential role in addressing complex challenges faced in this mission daily.

Her election occurs at a pivotal moment for GANHRI, which advocates within the UN amid increasing pressures on multilateralism and financial constraints impacting NHRIs. Bouayach remarked on the importance of her role, noting the growing threats to rights and freedoms worldwide and the pressing need for renewed vigilance and collective action.

She emphasized the challenges posed by digital technologies, reducing civic space, armed conflict, and economic inequalities, stating that it is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of human rights. Bouayach succeeds Maryam Al Attiyah of Qatar for a three-year term and Alyson Kilpatrick from Northern Ireland was elected as GANHRI Secretary, succeeding Bouayach in that position.

In summary, Amina Bouayach’s election as GANHRI chairperson signifies a pivotal moment for both Morocco and the African region within the global human rights context. With her leadership, she aims to address pressing human rights challenges and advocate for collective action in safeguarding rights worldwide, reflecting the importance of unity amidst adversity in the human rights landscape.

Original Source: www.maroc.ma