Jessie Majome Delivers Keynote Address at the Pan-African Parliament Civil Society Forum
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The Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Honorable Advocate Jessie Majome delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Second Pan-African Parliament Civil Society Forum where she emphasized the pivotal role of civil society in advancing human rights across Africa. The forum, convened on June 29 by the Center for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria in collaboration with the Open Society Foundation and the Pan-African Parliament, gathered esteemed leaders and activists to strengthen dialogue between parliamentarians and civil society.
Advocate Majome noted the forum’s importance in integrating parliamentary efforts with civil society recommendations. Reflecting on the inaugural dialogue held last year on 19 May 2023, she highlighted the essential role of civil society in shaping Africa’s human rights landscape, urging deeper reflection on what human rights advocacy truly means for Africans. “Being African is meaningful in itself,” Hon. Majome stated, challenging participants to rethink traditional approaches to human rights advocacy through an African lens. She emphasized the need for a distinctly African discourse on human rights, one that resonates with local communities and addresses their unique challenges and aspirations.
The prominent Human Rights Advocate recalled the recommendations from previous dialogues, stressing the importance of legislative empowerment for the Pan-African Parliament and enhanced engagement between parliamentarians and civil society. She called for African governments to prioritize ratifying key protocols, such as the Malabo Protocol, to strengthen the legislative framework for human rights across the continent.
Hon. Majome’s address resonated with attendees, who acknowledged the ongoing struggle for decolonization in African discourse and policy. She urged a shift towards self-sustaining advocacy efforts, emphasizing the importance of African languages and perspectives in human rights initiatives. “As we discuss peace, security, and governance,” she concluded, “let us amplify African voices and ensure our strategies reflect our diverse communities’ needs.”
The forum continues to facilitate crucial discussions on democracy, governance, and human rights across Africa, enabling the Pan-African Parliament to be truly a representation of the voices of African citizenry in shaping inclusive and impactful legislative action from the continental level down to their national parliaments.
