The Regional Sensitization Seminar on the Rights of Indigenous Populations/Communities in Central and East Africa

The Regional Sensitization Seminar on the Rights of Indigenous Populations/Communities in Central and East Africa was held from 22 to 25 August 2011 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

A total of sixty-five (65) delegates representing six (6) States Parties, four (4) National Human Rights Institutions, seven (7) specialized UN agencies and other inter-governmental organizations, and twenty-eight (28) non-governmental organizations participated at the Seminar.

Various issues related to the human rights of indigenous populations in Central and East Africa were discussed by participants. The issues discussed include inter alia:

• The role and jurisprudence of the African Commission’s Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities in the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous populations/communities in Africa;
• Positive developments and challenges in the recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous populations in Central and East Africa;
• The impact of climate change on the lives and wellbeing of indigenous populations;
• The contribution of pastoralism to national economy in Africa;
and
• The role of the different stakeholders in the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous populations.

The speeches and presentations made at the Seminar are made available on this site. The full report of the Seminar will also be published after adoption by the African Commission at its 51th Ordinary Session.