African Network of National Human Rights Institutions endorses Moroccan Bouayach’s candidacy for GANHRI Chairmanship

The African Network of National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), which convened its General Assembly on Monday at Geneva’s Palais des Nations, officially endorsed the candidacy of the President of the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), Amina Bouayach, to chair the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

Ms. Bouayach’s candidacy has garnered broad African support, demonstrating confidence in her vision and ability to lead GANHRI into the future, the CNDH said in a statement.

The name of GANHRI’s new president will be officially announced on Tuesday, at the Global Alliance’s General Assembly, taking place in Geneva on the sidelines of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

In January, NANHRI formally submitted Ms. Bouayach’s candidacy to GANHRI, stressing that as the current Secretary of the Alliance, the Moroccan candidate had demonstrated “exceptional leadership.”

The pan-African body also praised Ms Bouayache’s “extensive experience” in “representing GANHRI in international forums, her strategic leadership in overseeing key processes and her long-standing commitment to the advancement of human rights, which make her an ideal candidate for this esteemed position.”

The GANHRI stressed that Ms Bouayach’s election would ensure continuity of leadership, uphold the Alliance’s values and further strengthen its mandate on the international stage.

“Africa is fully behind the candidature of Amina Bouayach as the incoming Chairperson of the Global Alliance of NHRIs… We have voted overwhelmingly to support her nomination,” Joseph Whittal, current Chairperson of NANHRI and president of the NHRI of Ghana, was quoted in the statement as saying.

“Unanimously, the African group has supported the candidacy of Ms. Amina Bouayach. As GANHRI Secretary, she has represented us effectively”, noted Executive Director of NANHRI Gilbert Sebihogo, adding that Africa is counting on the President of the CNDH to bring its voice to the global stage.

Ms. Amina Bouayach is a natural choice, “one that every NHRI should support,” asserted Ms. Namizata Sangaré, President of the NHRI of Côte d’Ivoire. “Within the African Network, we are convinced that she will brilliantly lead GANHRI.”

With Africa’s unified endorsement, Amina Bouayach’s candidacy reflects the continent’s commitment to stronger human rights institutions, the statement said.