By Baboloki Semele:The Speaker of the Senate of Côte d’Ivoire, Rt. Hon. Kandia Camara, has lauded the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) for its significant contributions to enhancing the welfare of vulnerable populations across the continent. During a recent meeting with the PAP’s Permanent Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities, Camara recognized the legislative body’s commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized groups in Africa.The PAP delegation is currently on a two-day advocacy mission in Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on the ratification and implementation of crucial African Union (AU) protocols. These include the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons, the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security.
“The Pan-African Parliament, with its unique position within the African Union, is ideally suited to champion the rights of all Africans and ensure that no one is left behind,” Camara stated.
“I am heartened by the progress being made towards protocols that protect the rights of older persons, persons with disabilities, women, and girls. The Senate is dedicated to providing legislative support as the PAP Committee engages with various ministries and civil society organizations in Côte d’Ivoire.”Camara emphasized the PAP’s vital role in implementing AU policies and harmonizing laws among member states, aligning them with AU legal and policy frameworks.
Prior to meeting with the Senate Speaker, the PAP delegation participated in a plenary session that included insights from Côte d’Ivoire’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH). The CNDH’s report highlighted advancements in various human rights sectors but also pointed out ongoing challenges in health, education, and the protection of vulnerable populations.Hon. Mariam Dao Gabala, Chairperson of the PAP Permanent Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities, expressed appreciation for the Ivorian Senate’s commitment to justice and equality.
“Although many legal instruments have been adopted and integrated into national legislation, their effective implementation remains a significant challenge,” she noted.
“It is crucial for parliamentarians to engage with member states and stakeholders to ensure universal ratification and full implementation of these essential legal instruments, which are vital for sustainable development and poverty alleviation.” She highlighted.
Hon. Dao Gabala also stressed the urgency of their mission, pointing out that the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons has garnered only 14 ratifications, while the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has received just 15 since its implementation in April 2024. Alarmingly, the Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security has yet to be ratified by any member states.The PAP’s focus on these protocols aims to address pressing social issues in Africa:-
Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons: This protocol recognizes the need to support older individuals as traditional societal structures that once safeguarded their welfare weaken in modern society. –
Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Designed to fill gaps in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, this protocol emphasizes the inclusion of people with disabilities in socio-economic development.-
Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security: This initiative aims to enhance social safety nets to combat poverty and inequality, addressing the economic challenges faced by many member states.
The PAP delegation includes members such as Hon. Mariam Dao Gabala (Chairperson), Hon. Khadija Arouhal (Deputy Chairperson, Morocco), Hon. Rachel Yassindali (Rapporteur, Central African Republic), and Hon. Fatoumatta Njai (Member, Gambia). They are accompanied by Côte d’Ivoire’s representatives to the PAP: Hon. Traoré Mariame, Sen. Kouadio Kouakou Bertin, and Hon. Lazare Yao Yao, along with support staff from the PAP Secretariat and Côte d’Ivoire’s legislative bodies. According to a press release issued by PAP, this mission underscores the ongoing commitment of the PAP to advocate for the rights and welfare of Africa’s most vulnerable populations, fostering a collaborative effort towards a more equitable future for all.