H.E. Chairperson and Hon. Commissioners of ACHPR
Representative of States;
Representatives of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
Representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of my fellow members of the CPTA and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate H.E Catherine Dupe Atoki as Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) as well as the Chairperson of the Committee on the Prevention of Torture in Africa (CPTA)
Allow me then to applaud your leadership of the Committee. We have observed with admiration and respect your great sense of commitment to tasks entrusted to your care. You have been a source of inspiration to each and every one of us. The sense of purpose, professionalism and determination with which you led us to work on this very sensitive mandate is only equaled by your pleasant disposition and resolve to achieve despite all odds which had spurred the Committee to embrace under your guidance the challenges encountered. Consequently, we would like to appreciate you for your contributions which have enabled us to actualize our mandate.
In another vein, The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) as Convenor of the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the Work of the ACHPR would also wish to put on record our profound appreciation for the ability in which you engaged the Forum. The Forum has taken note of the consistency demonstrated by your engagement and encouragement of all stakeholders of QCHPR, especially the NGOs. The distinctive ability with which you played your role as Chairperson of ACHPR and in leading the deliberations of the Commissions are indeed commendable. The Forum noted with much pleasure the esteem on which it was held demonstrated by your presence at both its opening and closing ceremonies throughout your tenure. The Forum will miss your presence but we will be spurred on by the many advice and messages and inspiration you have left with us in your statements. Consequently, we resolve to consolidate our work with the ACHPR, the continent’s premier human rights institution. We sincerely recommit ourselves to contribute to the work of the African Commission and hope that this collaboration will be enhanced and grow from strength to strength.
While wishing you the best in your future endeavours, I know that I would be speaking for my fellow members of the CPTA and the NGO Forum if I state, here and now, that it was a real pleasure and honour that our paths crossed for the good of promoting human rights and democracy in Africa.
On behalf of the Governing Council, Management and staff of ACDHRS and the Members of the NGO Forum Steering Committee, I say Thank you! Gere Jeff! Merci! Obrigado! Shukran!
Well done, Ma! Ekousheh
