Niger's Justice Minister, Alio Daouda, is on a mission in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 22, for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and to campaign for a Nigerien candidate to join the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture (SPT). During his visit, Minister Daouda has held multiple meetings with diplomatic partners and representatives accredited to the United Nations. These meetings focused on strengthening cooperation, the UPR process, and mobilizing support for Niger's SPT candidacy.
On September 24, Minister Daouda met with ambassadors from countries of the Sahel Alliance (AES), including the Ambassador of Burkina Faso, who announced that her country had withdrawn its own candidacy to support Niger's bid for the SPT. The AES member states expressed their support for Niger's candidacy and wished the country success in its UPR. They also hoped that the exercise would be constructive and contribute to consolidating Niger's achievements in human rights.
Minister Daouda also met with the Ambassador of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria to Geneva, who highlighted the excellent relations between Niger and Algeria. The Algerian diplomat noted that the two countries' permanent representations in Geneva work to translate the quality of their bilateral cooperation. Minister Daouda thanked the Ambassador for the visit and welcomed the good relations between the two nations.
During his meeting with the Algerian Ambassador, Minister Daouda requested Algeria's support for Niger's SPT candidacy through its vote and by advocating with other states parties to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. The Minister also discussed the UPR process and the importance of cooperation between the two countries on human rights issues.
Minister Daouda also met with the representative of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) in Geneva, an organization that is actively involved in Niger. The IDLO representative likely discussed ways to support Niger's human rights efforts and the country's development in the rule of law.
The series of meetings by Minister Daouda demonstrates Niger's commitment to engaging with international partners on human rights and its bid for a seat on the SPT. The country's participation in the UPR and its campaign for the SPT reflect its efforts to strengthen its human rights framework and contribute to international efforts to prevent torture.
The outcome of these meetings and Niger's UPR will likely have implications for the country's human rights situation and its role in international human rights mechanisms. The international community will be watching Niger's progress in implementing its human rights commitments and its contributions to the work of the SPT.
Key points
- Niger's Justice Minister Alio Daouda is campaigning for a Nigerien candidate to join the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture.
- The country is participating in the Universal Periodic Review process to strengthen its human rights framework.
- Niger has received support from countries of the Sahel Alliance for its SPT candidacy.
