Defend the rights of the most vulnerable in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.

The human rights situation in West Africa is affected by political instability due to certain tensions related to elections or insecurity. Terrorism, violent extremism, piracy and armed attacks in the Gulf of Guinea also pose a threat for security and for economic activity while West Africa also remains a transit point for drug trafficking. The humanitarian situation in the Sahel remains precarious, and the socio-economic environment fragile. The most vulnerable populations, including women, children, ethnic and religious minorities, refugees and displaced people, people with disabilities and people living in poor and isolated areas are the main victims of violence and insecurity. Faced with these situations, West African states remain the primary duty-holders to ensure the protection of human rights. As sovereign states they have the responsibility to prevent conflicts and violence and to provide protection to the population. Their obligations in terms of the promotion and protection of human rights result directly from their regional and international commitments.