Working Group on Death Penalty and Extra-Judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Killings in Africa

Wednesday, 26 October 2016 (10:00-11:00 & 11:15-11:45)

Debate/discussion on the question of extrajudicial killings and women

1. Background

The Working Group on Death Penalty and Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Killings in Africa (the Working Group) was requested to organize and facilitate a one and a half hour activity within the context of the 2016 African Year of Human Rights celebrations to be held during the upcoming 59^th Ordinary Session (59^th OS) of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission). In this regard, the Secretariat of the Commission in consultation with Commissioner Kayitesi Zainabo Sylvie, Chairperson of the Working Group, propose to organize and facilitate a debate/discussion on the question of extrajudicial killings and how it affects women.

1. Justification

Extrajudicial killings continue to present a major challenge in terms of protecting the right to life of women. Women have lost their lives or are at higher risk of losing their lives because of domestic violence, armed conflict and ritual killings. All these situations present a unique challenge that should be addressed as a matter of urgency.

1. Objectives

The main objective of this activity is to raise awareness on human and people’s rights on the continent, in particular, women’s rights and take stock of progress or efforts made, including major challenges and/or obstacles encountered by discussing the question of extrajudicial execution from a women’s right to life perspective.

The specific objectives are as follows:

1.     To identify the factors responsible for women’s vulnerability in the context of extrajudicial killings in Africa;

2.     To present available data and/or statistics regarding the number of women who are affected by extrajudicial killings in Africa if any;

3.     To discuss the adequacy of the protection provided to women in this regard;

4.     To discuss strategies to combat the problem of extrajudicial killings against women and make recommendations to improve the human rights situation of women in Africa.

1. Title and Topics

Title/Theme

RIGHT TO LIFE: Dying silently and unnoticed within the homes and communities; a case of African women and girls

Topics

1.     What factors are responsible for women’s vulnerability in the context of extrajudicial killings in Africa?

2.     What are the available data and/or statistics on women and extrajudicial killings in Africa?

3.     Whether women are adequately protected in Africa in this regard?

4.     Which strategies should be considered in order to tackle the problem of extrajudicial killings amongst women in Africa?

5.     Recommendations and the way forward

1. Methodology

The methodology proposed is a debate/discussion. Specifically, three experts will make brief presentations on the topic at hand. Thereafter, the plenary will be invited to engage on this issue by making contributions, comments or asking questions.

1. Outcome

The outcome of this activity will be a report on women and the question of extrajudicial killings in Africa and the way forward in finding a lasting solution to the problem.

1. Participants

                              i.        Prof. Philip Iya – WG member

                             ii.        Prof. Carlson Anyangwe – WG Member

                            iii.        Representative of partners - TBD

1. Time and venue

 Wednesday, 26 October 2016

10:00-11:00 & 11:15-11:45