News
On 6 April, the All Africa Conference of Churches—the Africa-wide ecumenical fellowship—announced the launch of the Pan-African Human Rights Award, as part of its vision, “Churches in Africa together for life, peace, justice, and dignity.”
The award also draws inspiration from Africa Union’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint and master plan designed to transform the African continent into a global powerhouse within the next 50-year period, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, according to officials.
“It is long overdue,” said Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches. “We believe the award will create awareness of the importance of human rights in Africa. It will also recognize those who may not be recognized by other systems.”
Mwombeki, a Lutheran pastor from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania said in the past, the All Africa Conference of Churches had attempted to launch some form of an award, but it did not take off.
But the latest has gained progress. A five-member independent committee which the organization unveiled last week to oversee the award is now accepting nominations until 30 April.
For an individual or organization to qualify as a nominee, they must meet a certain criteria, including being currently active in the promotion of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law. The nominees must also be working in ethical and nonviolent ways, among others.
Nominators, who must be affiliated with the conference, are free to nominate any person or institution. Self-nominations cannot be accepted.
The winners will receive their prizes in November at the 12th General Assembly and 60th Anniversary celebration of the All Africa Conference of Churches in Abuja, Nigeria. The award includes a trophy and a small monetary prize. Award winners then become ambassadors of the award.
Justice Oman, program executive for Research, Governance and Human Rights said the conference is, “coming up with an award initiated by the ecumenical movement and to also recognize people who ordinarily may go unnoticed.” The award is under his program.
Osman said the church conference was involved in advocacy at the African Union and was also working with regional economic communities on the promotion of peace and security, democracy, rule of law, governance, and human rights in the African continent.
“We believe ecumenical bodies have key roles to play in all aspects of continental development and this must not be left to national governments and member states alone,” said Osman. “We also want to encourage people to get more involved in the thematic areas stated.”
Church officials say human rights belong to everyone regardless of their origin, belief, or way of life and are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect, and independence. The rights, according to the officials, have been placed on the African agenda to drive democracy.
