Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco’s CNDH, has been elected chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions at a General Assembly in Geneva. Her candidacy was strongly backed by NHRI representatives from various regions, marking Africa’s return to GANHRI’s presidency after a decade. Bouayach highlighted the challenges facing human rights today and expressed commitment to collective action.
Amina Bouayach, the President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has been elected as the new chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). This election took place during GANHRI’s General Assembly in Geneva, coinciding with the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. The decision was announced by Vladen Stefanov from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Bouayach’s election was unanimously supported by all national human rights institutions holding A-status accreditation. Her candidacy received strong endorsement from NHRI representatives across all global regions and was officially nominated by the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions. This marks the return of Africa to the presidency of GANHRI after a decade.
Following the vote, Bouayach conveyed her gratitude for the trust bestowed upon her by her colleagues and human rights defenders worldwide. She underscored the unwavering commitment of African NHRIs towards human rights protection and the vital role they play in addressing complex challenges.
Bouayach’s election is particularly significant given the current global climate, in which GANHRI must navigate increasing pressures on multilateralism and financial difficulties facing NHRIs. She noted, “In a world where rights and freedoms are increasingly under threat… I see this election as a profound responsibility—one whose magnitude I fully grasp.”
The challenges ahead include the impacts of emerging technologies, armed conflicts, gender violence, climate change, and economic disparities. Bouayach emphasized the need for collective action to ensure inclusivity in human rights advocacy. She succeeds Maryam Al Attiyah from Qatar for a three-year term as GANHRI President. Alyson Kilpatrick from Northern Ireland has also been elected as GANHRI Secretary, taking over Bouayach’s previous role.
The election of Amina Bouayach as GANHRI’s chairperson signifies a crucial moment for the leadership of national human rights institutions, particularly with the return of African representation. Her commitment to collective action and her recognition of the pressing issues that threaten human rights globally maintain her role’s significance. With pressing global challenges ahead, her leadership is poised to navigate GANHRI through these critical times.
Original Source: www.maroc.ma
