CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: CONSULTATION AND TRAINING FOR RELIGIOUS AND TRADITIONAL LEADERS ON ENGAGING WITH THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES' RIGHTS AND REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MECHANISMS
CONSULTATION & TRAINING
Background and Objectives The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) acknowledges the influential role of religious and traditional leaders in shaping democratic values, upholding the rule of law, and fostering peace across Africa. Despite their pivotal role, a significant gap exists in their engagement with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) and other human rights mechanisms. According to the ACDHRS database, which includes over 3,000 participants, only 2-3 representatives from these groups have actively engaged with the ACHPR. Given the challenges Africa faces, including religious extremism, military and constitutional coups, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), it is crucial to involve these leaders in addressing these issues. The surge in religious extremism, for instance, has led to widespread human rights abuses, exacerbating social tensions and hindering efforts toward sustainable development and peaceful coexistence. This consultation and training aim to bridge the gap by empowering religious and traditional leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage effectively with regional and international human rights mechanisms. By equipping these leaders with the tools to promote and protect human rights, advocate against SGBV, and contribute to conflict resolution, the initiative seeks to ensure a just and equitable society that upholds and respects human rights.

OBJECTIVE

1. Equip Religious and Traditional Leaders: Provide participants with knowledge and skills to improve the protection of human rights in their communities through engagement with international and regional human rights mechanisms. 2. Introduce ACHPR Engagement: Familiarize participants with the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and encourage active participation in its processes. 3. Promote Democracy and Rule of Law: Explore the unique roles religious and traditional leaders can play in promoting democracy, upholding the rule of law, and advocating for peace and stability. 4. Facilitate Dialogue: Provide a platform for dialogue and the exchange of experiences among religious and traditional leaders from diverse African communities. 5. Establish a Network: Create a network of religious and traditional leaders dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa. 6. Counter Religious Extremism: Address the rising threat of religious extremism in Africa by promoting interfaith dialogue, inclusivity, and respect for human rights.

Date & Venue

10th-12th October 2024 – (Venue: Banjul)

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Participants will: • Acquire Knowledge and Skills: Gain practical knowledge on relevant regional and international human rights instruments and processes. • Learn ACHPR Engagement: Understand the workings of the ACHPR and how to strategically engage with its mechanisms. • Enhance Advocacy and Lobbying: Strengthen skills in advocacy and lobbying with human rights mechanisms through case studies. • Discuss Human Rights Trends: Explore current human rights trends in Africa and develop strategies for promoting democracy, rule of law, and human rights. • Network and Learn: Engage with other religious and traditional leaders across Africa, sharing experiences and best practices.

Expected Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants would be:
  • ● Acquire knowledge and skills on the relevant regional and international human rights instruments and processes to enhance their engagemen;
  • ● Learn more about the work of the ACHPR and how to engage strategically with its mechanisms;;
  • ● Strengthen their practical knowledge in advocacy and lobbying strategy with human rights mechanisms through case studies
  • ● Collectively discuss human rights trends in Africa;
  • ● Meet and learn from defenders from all around Africa working on a range of human rights issues;

Languages:

English and French are the languages of the Training with available simultaneous interpretation facilities.

Participants:

This consultation and training target religious and traditional leaders from diverse backgrounds across Africa. The event will gather 25 participants, with a minimum of two years of advocacy experience at the community or national level, committed to engaging with regional human rights mechanisms and promoting human rights within their communities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested participants are invited to submit their applications using the link attached by 19th September 2024. Applications should include: • A completed application form. • A brief statement of purpose outlining their advocacy experience and commitment to human rights. Deadline for Applications: 19th September 2024 Contact Information: For inquiries and application submissions, please contact [projects@acdhrs.org].

SELECTION

Only selected applicants will be contacted. The Organisers will meet the participation cost associated, flight, accommodation and conference package for the 3 days. . All applications should be submitted online. Deadline: 19th September, 2024.

APPLICATIONS OPEN

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CONSULTATION & TRAINING