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REGIONAL SENSITISATION SEMINAR ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS
POPULATIONS/COMMUNITIES IN AFRICA

YAOUNDE - CAMEROON

13 – 16 SEPTEMBER, 2006.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, an organ of the African Union will be organising a Regional Sensitisation Seminar on the Rights of Indigenous Populations/Communities in Africa , in Yaounde, Cameroon from 13 – 16 September 2006.

The Seminar is the first in a series of Regional Seminars earmarked by the African Commission’s Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities in Africa. It is the African Commission’s strategy to further dialogue with relevant stakeholders on the rights of indigenous populations in Africa.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Seminar are:

  • to sensitise major stakeholders on the continent about the Commission’s approach to the issues of the rights of indigenous populations;
  • to encourage African countries to broaden their perception of indigenous issues on the continent;
  • to identify the challenges and problems faced by African countries in dealing with indigenous populations; and
  • to develop strategies for collaboration with African governments, AU institutions, civil society and indigenous communities themselves.
Expected Outcomes

It is expected that the Seminar will, among other things:

  • promote a better understanding of the African Commission’s approach to indigenous issues;
  • create an avenue and develop a strategy for continued engagement and discussion with stakeholders on indigenous issues;
  • increase awareness about the plight of indigenous issues in the region; and
  • publish and disseminate the outcome of the seminar and establish a follow up plan.

Methodology

The seminar will be conducted in both plenary and at committee sessions and will be participatory – speakers (resource persons) will make presentations followed by discussions to facilitate experience sharing. Member States, National Human Rights Institutions and other relevant institutions will make presentations on policies or measures they have taken or are taking to protect the rights of indigenous populations. This is aimed at sharing experiences and documenting best practices that would assist the Commission to formulate a continental policy on the question of indigenous populations in Africa. It is envisaged that the participants will visit a nearby indigenous community on the last day of the seminar.

Participation

The present Seminar is for the Central African Region and participants shall be drawn from indigenous civil society organisations, indigenous communities, National Human Rights Institutions, NGOs and Member States of the Central African Region. Members of the African Commission and relevant organs of the African Union and the United Nations shall also be invited. Experts shall be invited as resource persons to make presentations.

Other NGOs, individuals, students and academic and other institutions outside the Central African region who are interested in attending the Seminar are welcome to attend at their own cost.

Working Languages, Material and Equipment

The Seminar will be conducted in French and English with simultaneous interpretation. The Seminar will use hard copy presentations, seminar bags/folders, writing pads, markers, pens, flip chart, information pack on indigenous issues and relevant publications for distribution.

For further information please contact

Mr. Robert Wundeh Eno

Legal Officer (Protection)

Tel: 220 4392 962

Fax: 220 4390 764

Email: legal8@achpr.org