UN rights official welcomes new provisions to strengthen women's rights in Africa

The Acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights today welcomed the decision taken at the recently concluded African Union Summit in Mozambique to strengthen women's rights by adding gender specific provisions to an existing charter.

"The adoption by the African Union of a specific treaty on the rights of women reinforces the message that women's rights require priority attention in the protection of universal and inalienable rights," Bertrand Ramcharan said in a statement from Geneva.

The adoption Saturday of the new protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights reflects the growing commitment to address the widespread discrimination and rights violations suffered by women, Mr. Ramcharan said, speaking upon his return from the Summit of African leaders held last week. It recognizes the key role women play in sustainable development and conflict prevention, he added.

"The women of Africa have demonstrated their strength and resilience; they deserve and are entitled to full recognition as equal partners - both in private and family life and in their participation in economic, social and political activities," he said.

Mr. Ramcharan urged the early ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, so it could enter into force as speedily as possible.