By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a unanimous consensus reached at the ongoing ECOWAS Court of Justice conference, all four panelists emphasized the urgent need to bolster national human rights institutions and National Bar Associations across member states.
Under the sub-theme “Developing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship between the ECOWAS Court, National Human Rights Institutions, National Bar Associations, and Law Schools in Pursuit of Enhanced Relevance and Effectiveness,” panelists stressed the pivotal role of these institutions in the dispensation of justice.
Justice Diane Hassane, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Ivory Coast, Professor Raymond Atuguba of the University of Ghana School of Law, Dr. Milton Paiva from Cape Verde, and Barrister Benedict Okechukwu Agu of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria delivered insightful presentations moderated by Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh of Liberia.
Justice Hassane highlighted the challenges faced by the ECOWAS Court in protecting human rights, attributing them to a lack of political will or refusal by member states to uphold international obligations. He emphasized the need for collaboration with national courts, bar associations, and human rights institutions.
Professor Atuguba emphasized the pivotal role of National Bar Associations in advocating for public awareness about the ECOWAS Court’s jurisdiction, particularly regarding human rights violations.
Dr. Paiva underscored Cabo Verde’s potential to assert itself in the Middle Atlantic Circulation Economy but noted historical and ideological barriers hindering progress. He emphasized the need to overcome these obstacles.
Barrister Agu emphasized the dependency of the ECOWAS Court on National Bar Associations for client advocacy, highlighting their importance in shaping legal jurisprudence and serving as persuasive authorities in national courts.
The session concluded with a vibrant exchange of questions and answers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and synergy between ECOWAS institutions and national stakeholders in advancing human rights and justice across the region. MJB/17/5/2024
