RATIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS

OHCHR/BRAO has provided increasing support for the ratification of international human rights instruments, particularly the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR and the 2nd Optional Protocol to the ICCPR. In 2012, a regional conference was organized in Dakar in partnership with UNOWA and ONUFEMMES. The participants, including representatives of the Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, national human rights institutions and civil society organizations, adopted a road map towards the ratification of these instruments. The growing consensus on the justiciability of economic, social and cultural rights is another positive outcome highlighted at this conference.

IMPLEMENTATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS

OHCHR/BRAO contributed to the organization of regional and national workshops, and provided technical expertise for the establishment and reorganization of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and other national bodies in compliance with international human rights standards (Paris Principles). This support has resulted in the improvement of national protection systems to strengthen the monitoring, protection and promotion of human rights.

HARMONIZATION OF NATIONAL LEGISLATION

West African states are signatories to numerous international and regional treaties. However, the execution and application of international provisions are not always enshrined in national legislation and traditions. For example, women often face discrimination. OHCHR/BRAO supported initiatives to harmonize national legislation with international human rights standards. Several national laws have thus been amended, with the technical assistance of OHCHR/BRAO, to bring them into compliance with ratified treaties and conventions and to protect the rights of women and promote gender equality.