Amina Bouayach of Morocco was elected chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions during the General Assembly held in Geneva. Her candidacy received unanimous support from A-status NHRIs, returning the presidency of GANHRI to Africa after ten years. Bouayach aims to strengthen human rights advocacy amidst global challenges, succeeding Maryam Al Attiyah and with Alyson Kilpatrick as Secretary.
Amina Bouayach, the President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has been elected as the chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) during its General Assembly in Geneva. The election occurred alongside the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, with unanimous support from all A-status national human rights institutions (NHRIs). Her candidacy was endorsed by representatives from all global regions following the official nomination from the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI).
With Bouayach’s election, Africa returns to the presidency of GANHRI after a decade. Bouayach expressed her honor at being selected by her African colleagues and emphasized the importance of the collective commitment of African NHRIs in advocating for and protecting human rights amidst various challenges.
Her election is pivotal for GANHRI as it faces the task of lobbying within the UN while managing increasing strains on multilateralism and funding for NHRIs. Bouayach articulated her awareness of the responsibilities that accompany her new role, particularly in light of current threats to rights and freedoms globally.
Amidst multiple challenges including technological impacts, climate change, and growing economic disparities, Bouayach called for renewed vigilance and collective action to ensure inclusivity in human rights advocacy. She succeeds Qatari Maryam Al Attiyah for a three-year term and Alyson Kilpatrick of Northern Ireland has been elected as the new GANHRI Secretary, taking over Bouayach’s previous position.
The election of Amina Bouayach as the new chairperson of GANHRI marks a significant moment for African representation in human rights advocacy. With her leadership, there is an opportunity to strengthen the commitment of NHRIs globally to address pressing human rights challenges. Bouayach’s vision for collective action and vigilance underscores the urgent need for a unified response to global threats against human rights.
Original Source: www.maroc.ma
