Latest news with #SolomonAyeleDersso
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Statement on letter of urgent appeal on environmental contamination in Kabwe, Zambia
On 23 April 2025, the Chairperson of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations (WGEI) of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (African Commission), transmitted a Letter of Urgent Appeal to His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia. The appeal expressed serious concern over the hazardous lead contamination in Kabwe, Central Province, and its grave impact on the health and rights of local communities, including children. The Working Group highlighted alarming findings regarding the elevated blood lead levels among children and the environmental degradation caused by continued mining waste activities. The Chairperson urged the Government of the Republic of Zambia to take immediate measures including suspending hazardous operations, conducting an independent environmental and public health assessment, implementing clean-up and remediation efforts, and establishing medical and livelihood support systems for affected populations. The African Commission reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Government of Zambia to promote environmental justice, safeguard human rights, and advance the objectives of Africa's Agenda 2063. Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso Chairperson, Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations (WGEI) African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR).
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Seychelles: President Ramkalawan Welcomes Delegation from African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
President Wavel Ramkalawan received a delegation from the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) at State House this morning. The delegation was led by Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso as part of a promotional mission to assess the state of human rights in Seychelles. In his opening remarks, President Ramkalawan warmly welcomed the delegation and praised the ACHPR's ongoing efforts in advancing human rights across the African continent. He reaffirmed Seychelles' unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the African Charter and reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a dignified life for all Seychellois citizens. The delegation's visit aims to evaluate various aspects of human and peoples' rights in Seychelles. During the discussions, Honorable Solomon Ayele Dersso underscored several key areas of interest, including the prison riot of January 2025, the December 7th disaster, progress on the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission (TRNUC) report, the role of Parliament in upholding legislative duties, the state of freedom of expression, and initiatives surrounding the upcoming elections. Speaking to the press, Honourable Dersso emphasized that the delegation would engage with various stakeholders to gather critical data for their assessment. He commended Seychelles for implementing key social provisions, such as free education and healthcare with protective measures, describing them as exemplary models for other African nations. Additionally, he acknowledged the country's continued progress in strengthening democratic institutions. "The promotional mission of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights involves firsthand engagement at the national level to gather direct information and understanding about the state of human rights in the country," he explained. "This encompasses freedom of expression, issues related to prison conditions, the social and economic wellbeing of people in Seychelles, and a wide range of other issues that affect human rights and peoples in Seychelles." The Commission's findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report, which will subsequently be released to the media. Honorable Dersso is expected to present preliminary observations during a press conference scheduled for March 14, 2025. Present at the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde; Principal Secretary Ambassador Vivienne Fock-Tave; Director General for Regional Affairs, Mr. Christian Faure; Director for Regional Affairs, Mrs. Veronique Morel; and Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Sandra Michel. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Zawya
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Press Release on the Human Rights Promotion Mission to the Republic of Seychelles
The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Secretariat) wishes to inform the general public that the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Commission), upon authorization of the Government by the Republic of Seychelles (Seychelles), is scheduled to undertake a Promotion Mission to Seychelles from 10 to 14 March 2025. This Mission, which is part of the Commission's promotion mandate, is being undertaken in accordance with Article 45(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter) and Rule 76(1) of the Commission's Rules of Procedure. The objectives of the mission are, inter alia, to promote the African Charter, its protocols and other regional and international human rights instruments, engage with relevant stakeholders on the human rights situation and exchange views on enhancing the enjoyment of human rights in the country. The Delegation will be composed of: Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, Commissioner Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in the Republic of Seychelles and Chairperson of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa (Head of Delegation); and Honourable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem, Chairperson of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa. The delegation will be supported by staff from the Secretariat. During the Mission, the delegation will meet with a cross-section of human rights actors in the country, especially those working in the field of human rights: including in particular, relevant Government officials, Members of Parliament, Members of the Judiciary, the Police, National Institutions and representatives of Civil Society Organizations, and other individuals or institutions capable of enlightening the Commission on the human rights situation in Seychelles. At the end of the mission, the preliminary findings will be discussed with the relevant Government authorities. A Press Conference will also be held to brief the press and the general public on these findings. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR).
