The Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa, NNHRI-WA, has called for stronger independence, funding, and regional collaboration for NHRIs to address rising insecurity, shrinking civic space, and barriers to justice across the ECOWAS region.
The call was made at the close of the Network’s Eighth Regional Conference and Annual General Assembly held in Abidjan from 7 to 8 September, 2026.
The meeting was hosted by the Commission Nationale des Droits de l’Homme de Côte d’Ivoire, CNDH-CI, and supported by the ECOWAS Commission, OHCHR-WARO, UNOWAS and UNAIDS.
Twelve National Human Rights Institutions from Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo participated alongside regional and international partners.
Declaring the conference open, President of NNHRI-WA and Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, said human rights, democracy, development, peace and good governance are “mutually reinforcing pillars.”
He noted progress in democratic governance across the region, but warned of continuing challenges including unconstitutional changes of government, violent extremism, poverty, displacement, and declining public trust.
He urged NHRIs to move beyond reacting to violations and focus more on prevention and early warning, according to a statement by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.
The ECOWAS Commission, represented by Mr. Ebenezer Asiedu, reaffirmed its commitment to keep human rights at the heart of the ECOWAS architecture and encouraged NHRIs to be “bold and innovative.”
OHCHR-WARO Regional Representative, Mr. Robert Kotchani, said NHRIs have a key role in protecting women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
In the review of the 2025 Abuja Communique, member institutions reported progress on OPCAT detention monitoring, transitional justice, migration, climate change, and election observation.
On detention and justice, almost all institutions reported overcrowding and prolonged pre-trial detention.
Ghana reported remand overcrowding above 130 percent capacity and the passage of a new Community Service Act for non-custodial sentencing.
Nigeria cited its toll-free line 6472 and the use of criminal justice committees to identify wrongful detention. Sierra Leone and Togo also reported nationwide prison monitoring.
On political rights, The Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal presented models of NHRI involvement across the electoral cycle, including monitoring, hate speech tracking, and voter education.
Delegates called for greater inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities and the diaspora.
On business and human rights, Nigeria reported amending the NHRC Act to include an express business-and-human-rights mandate.
Senegal said it is finalizing a draft National Action Plan to become the first francophone country with one, while The Gambia said it is at an early stage following stakeholder consultations.
Delegates also flagged two recurring challenges: difficulties with intra-regional free movement despite the ECOWAS Protocol, and unresolved questions on eligibility and cut-off points in reparations processes.
The Conference resolved to deepen peer learning, conduct joint monitoring missions, and strengthen engagement with ECOWAS, the AU and the UN.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Ojukwu said the legitimacy of NHRIs “is measured not by the offices we occupy, but by the difference we make in the lives of ordinary citizens.”
The Ninth Regional Conference and General Assembly will be convened in 2027.
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