President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune Monday declared that the 6th African Court dialogue holding in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria will widen prospects and promote legal systems in Africa.
The President, who was represented by the country’s Prime Minister, Nadir Efarbaoui was quick to condemn the gross violations of human rights occasioned by the ensuing Israeli – Palestine war.
Tebboune was speaking at the opening of the 3-days event with the theme: Advancing Human Rights in Africa: Challenges and opportunities for integrating regional and International Human Rights jurisprudence in domestic Courts.
The event which is organised by African Court on Human and People’s Rights (AfCPHR) had in attendance eminent jurists, legal scholars, stakeholders in the legal parlance, Non-governmental organizations and the media across Africa and beyond.
Describing the gathering as apt, the President said hosting of the high-octane event in his country illustrated the importance the country attached to the fight against human rights violation and its multidimensional effect.
He noted further: “This continental dialogue which has become a rostrum for comparing notes and proffering solutions has become a veritable platform over the years and has promoted human rights, legal security and reforms, diversification of practice in Africa and more importantly improve the constitution, which not only key,but have also become a cornerstone to achieving good governance,”
On the ongoing Israel-Palestine war, the President called on the international community to stop what he described as ‘violation of human rights’.
Making her own remarks at the occassion, the President of the court, Hon Lady Justice Imani Aboud charged members countries and stakeholders on needs to work together and ‘get it right’.
Aboud, who thumbed- up the African Agenda 2063, cautioned that the Africa craved by all cannot be achieved if the judiciary is not allowed to play its role.
Expressing dissatisfaction over failure of previous initiatives at Moronvia, Nigeria and other charters, Aboud charged members state to initiate reforms, assuring that the court will continue to synergize, work with stakeholders to ensure that it contribute to African Union agenda.
“If Africa is to develop, prosper, unite and be peaceful, judiciary must play its role and our actions at regional, sub-regional and continental levels must say it all,”
The President, who harped on need to ensure that African court decisions resonates beyond its jurisprudence, reminded participants at the conference that judiciary remained the first point of call for protection of human rights.
Also delivering a brief remarks, the country’s Justice Minister, Rachid Tabbi noted that the dialogue which has become a very important legislative gathering for lawyers, human rights advocates and researchers will help in analysing regional challenges and proffers solutions.
