CIVIL SOCIETY ACTORS STRATEGY WORKSHOP
STRATEGY WORKSHOP
09 APRIL, 2013
Banjul, The Gambia
Conscience International (CI) in collaboration with World Alliance for Citizen Participation (CIVICUS) will organize the Strategy Workshop for Civil Society Actors from within West Africa during the 53rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
The aim of the workshop is to further consolidate the plan of action for the “African Forefront Rights Defenders” and build the capacity and skills of civil society organizations to effectively use the African and international human rights system in their work towards human rights promotion and protection on the continent, and strengthen the network which was created in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso. At the end of the workshop participants will issue a statement with action points for governments to protect human rights defenders in West Africa. The statement will be read by CI (Observer Status) in one of the public sessions of the Ordinary Session of the African Commission. The workshop will also come up with actions to inform a post-workshop strategy for all participants. Thus, we anticipate having a total number of 20 participants and 2 media personnel.
We aim to introduce the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights and the African human rights system to the participants and explore the difficulties civil society actors encounter in promoting and protecting human rights in their respective countries; share experience and encourage participants to incorporate human rights principles in their work; establish a stronger and continuous working relationship between the African Commission and Civil Society Actors, as a nucleus for a continent-wide strategic partnership for the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa; and to strengthen the “African Forefront Rights Defenders Network”.
WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES AND OUTPUTS
The workshop will be conducted in French and English and documentation will be provided in the two languages only. The program will be interactive and would comprise presentations, discussion, debates, case studies, and other similar methodologies that promote effective participation and sharing of experience, skill and knowledge on but not limited to the following broad themes:
Ø The Enabling environment for civil society in West Africa
Ø Freedom of expression, association and assembly
Ø Networking, advocacy and enabling strategies to engage the African Commission and UN mechanisms.
PARTICIPATION
Participation is free but restricted to invited participants only to the workshop and per diem will be given to all participants at the end of the workshop. CI and CIVICUS will cover the cost of hire of conference room, tea and coffee breaks, lunch, documentation, stationery and other administrative logistics for the duration of the workshop only.
PLACE AND DURATION OF THE WORKSHOP
The one-day Workshop would take place at Kairaba Beach Hotel in Banjul, The Gambia on 10th April, 2013 during the Sessions of the African Commission which would commence on 9th April, 2013.
INVITATION DEADLINE
If you are interested please respond to this email no later than Friday, 5th April, 2013.
For further information please contact us on: +220 7749631 or [email protected]
Note: This invitation is extended to Civil Society Actors within West Africa who have already registered and funded to participate in the NGO Forum preceding the 53rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The workshop does not cover travel and accommodation costs.
09 APRIL, 2013
Banjul, The Gambia
Conscience International (CI) in collaboration with World Alliance for Citizen Participation (CIVICUS) will organize the Strategy Workshop for Civil Society Actors from within West Africa during the 53rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
The aim of the workshop is to further consolidate the plan of action for the “African Forefront Rights Defenders” and build the capacity and skills of civil society organizations to effectively use the African and international human rights system in their work towards human rights promotion and protection on the continent, and strengthen the network which was created in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso. At the end of the workshop participants will issue a statement with action points for governments to protect human rights defenders in West Africa. The statement will be read by CI (Observer Status) in one of the public sessions of the Ordinary Session of the African Commission. The workshop will also come up with actions to inform a post-workshop strategy for all participants. Thus, we anticipate having a total number of 20 participants and 2 media personnel.
We aim to introduce the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights and the African human rights system to the participants and explore the difficulties civil society actors encounter in promoting and protecting human rights in their respective countries; share experience and encourage participants to incorporate human rights principles in their work; establish a stronger and continuous working relationship between the African Commission and Civil Society Actors, as a nucleus for a continent-wide strategic partnership for the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa; and to strengthen the “African Forefront Rights Defenders Network”.
WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES AND OUTPUTS
The workshop will be conducted in French and English and documentation will be provided in the two languages only. The program will be interactive and would comprise presentations, discussion, debates, case studies, and other similar methodologies that promote effective participation and sharing of experience, skill and knowledge on but not limited to the following broad themes:
Ø The Enabling environment for civil society in West Africa
Ø Freedom of expression, association and assembly
Ø Networking, advocacy and enabling strategies to engage the African Commission and UN mechanisms.
PARTICIPATION
Participation is free but restricted to invited participants only to the workshop and per diem will be given to all participants at the end of the workshop. CI and CIVICUS will cover the cost of hire of conference room, tea and coffee breaks, lunch, documentation, stationery and other administrative logistics for the duration of the workshop only.
PLACE AND DURATION OF THE WORKSHOP
The one-day Workshop would take place at Kairaba Beach Hotel in Banjul, The Gambia on 10th April, 2013 during the Sessions of the African Commission which would commence on 9th April, 2013.
INVITATION DEADLINE
If you are interested please respond to this email no later than Friday, 5th April, 2013.
For further information please contact us on: +220 7749631 or [email protected]
Note: This invitation is extended to Civil Society Actors within West Africa who have already registered and funded to participate in the NGO Forum preceding the 53rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The workshop does not cover travel and accommodation costs.