5th Congress of the Francophone Association of National Human Rights Commissions
Currently chaired by the (Moroccan) National Human Rights Council, the Francophone Association of National Human Rights Commissions, held its fifth Congress on the 8th-9th of November, in Paris.
The Congress was inaugurated by CNDH President Mr. Driss El Yazami, Ms Christine Lazerges, Chair of the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (France), Ms Yamina Benguigui, Minister Delegate attached to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of French-Speaking Communities, Mr. Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, and Mr. Dominique Baudis, Mediator of the Republic (France).
Mr. El Yazami highlighted the importance of national human rights institutions. NHRIs have their say at the national and international levels, including at the UN Human rights Council, he said.
This is particularly due to the role NHRIs play in promoting the culture of human rights and consolidating democracy and the rule of law. However, he added, these institutions are threatened. Their capacities should be built to enable them to perform their duties in the best conditions, in full harmony with the Paris Principles which provide for their independence and pluralism.