Organization of the 17th AU-EU Human Rights Dialogue

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November 08, 2021

The Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department of the African Union Commission will host the 17^th AU-EU Human Rights Dialogue in a virtual format on 9^th November, 2021. The Dialogue will be led by the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, H.E. Mr. Eamon Gilmore. The AU Organs with a human rights mandate will be participating in this dialogue.

The AU-EU Human Rights Dialogue is held annually in pursuance of the decision of the 6^th EU-Africa Ministerial Troika Meeting in Vienna that was confirmed at the subsequent 7^th meeting in Brazzaville. The Dialogue avails the platform for regular sharing of experience on issues related to Human Rights, Democratic Principles and the Rule of Law in Africa and in Europe, with a view to overcoming the challenges and consolidating the achievements, as well as enhancing coordination on Human Rights issues in multilateral fora, such as the Human Rights Council.

The Dialogue provides an opportunity to share views and best practices on the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa and in Europe. The Dialogue is an important platform to further the AU-EU cooperation in the international fora by enhancing exchange of information prior to the Human Rights Council and United Nations General Assembly Third Committee sessions.

Both parties will discuss recent human rights developments in Africa and Europe, notably the work of the AU organs with a human rights mandate and the implementation of the AU Transitional Justice Policy as well as the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the entry into force of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The Dialogue is usually preceded by the AU-EU Civil Society Seminar on Human Rights Issues. Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstance, the Seminar will not take place this year. However, both sides will engage with members of the Joint CSOs Committee from Africa and Europe to discuss the implementation of recommendations that emerged from previous seminars. This engagement will also discuss ways and means for meaningful involvement of CSOs in the Dialogue as well as commitment to continue involving non-governmental organisations in the affairs of both sides.

The 18^th Human Rights Dialogue will be hosted by the European Union in 2022.

For more information related to the 17^th AU-EU Human Rights Dialogue, contact:

Amb. Salah Siddig Hammad | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission | Tel: +251 115182615 | Email: HammadS@africa-union.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org