Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has called for urgent and coordinated action to strengthen human rights, democratic governance, cybersecurity, and peace buildings efforts across Africa during the opening of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, The Gambia.
Speaking in her capacity as Second Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings delivered remarks on behalf of the President of the Parliament, Fateh Boutbig.
Her address focused on the growing need for African states to strengthen institutions, protect human rights, and build resilient governance systems capable of responding to emerging political and technological challenges across the continent.
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings underscored the indispensable role women continue to play in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict prevention efforts throughout Africa. She noted that women often serve as first responders, community stabilisers, and bridge-builders during periods of instability and crisis.
She further urged African Union Member States to ratify the Malabo Convention to enhance Africa’s collective response to cybersecurity threats, strengthen online protections for citizens, and advance digital sovereignty across the continent.
The Ghanaian legislator also stressed the importance of Member States ratifying and domesticating model laws developed by the Pan-African Parliament. According to her, harmonising legislation across African countries is essential to improving governance systems and ensuring legal frameworks remain responsive to the changing needs of African citizens.
Addressing the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and digitalisation, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasised the urgent need to recognise digital rights as fundamental human rights. She called for the establishment of coherent legal and policy frameworks capable of protecting citizens in an increasingly digital world.
She further stated that sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved through military interventions alone. Instead, she advocated sustained investment in strong institutions, constitutionalism, civic participation, inclusive governance, and political leadership that ensures citizens feel represented and heard.
“Africa’s future depends on our ability to build societies that are secure, inclusive, rights-based, and driven by the collective aspirations of our people,” she stated.
The 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights brings together policymakers, legal experts, civil society actors, and continental institutions to deliberate on key human rights and governance issues affecting Africa.
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