A three-day conference on the future of human rights in West and Central Africa began on November 10, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin. The event, titled "Rethinking the Future of Human Rights in Africa: A Sub-Regional Meeting for West and Central Africa," brings together several actors committed to defending human rights. The conference was officially launched by Yvon Détchénou, Minister of Justice and Legislation of Benin.
The conference aims to rethink the mechanisms for promoting and protecting human rights in the face of new challenges on the continent. It is an initiative of the Open Society Foundations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCDH), the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (CADHP), and the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI). The meeting seeks to develop African responses adapted to current and future realities.
West and Central Africa have a rich tradition of governance based on dignity, justice, solidarity, and responsibility. The conference will draw on this heritage to contribute to building a human rights architecture that takes into account the region's changes. Discussions will focus on democratic governance, constitutionalism, civic space, peace, security, human rights, economies based on rights, natural resource governance, and the triple planetary crisis.
The issue of regional leadership and adapting the human rights architecture to future challenges is also at the heart of the discussions. According to Nouhoum Sangaré, Director of the Regional Pole for Central Africa and West Africa and the HCDH office, the challenge is to consolidate gains while imagining new responses. He emphasized the need to secure gains, shape the future, and place human dignity at the heart of action.
Sangaré also stressed the importance of not reproducing imported models. "Rethinking the future of human rights in Africa does not mean starting from scratch or importing ready-made responses," he said, calling for solutions rooted in the realities, knowledge, and aspirations of African societies. Benin has expressed its commitment to promoting human rights, justice, and fundamental freedoms.
In his opening remarks, Minister Yvon Détchénou said the conference offers an opportunity to go beyond a limited approach to difficulties and promote a new vision of human rights. He recalled Benin's attachment to promoting rights, justice, and republican institutions. The minister emphasized that the conference is a chance to enter a new way of thinking about promoting human rights.
The conference will continue until November 12, 2026, with discussions and debates on the future of human rights in West and Central Africa. The outcome of the meeting is expected to contribute to the construction of a human rights architecture adapted to the region's challenges. The participants will seek to develop solutions that are rooted in African realities and aspirations.
Key points
- The conference aims to develop African responses adapted to current and future realities.
- West and Central Africa have a rich tradition of governance based on dignity, justice, solidarity, and responsibility.
- The conference seeks to secure gains, shape the future, and place human dignity at the heart of action.
