Press release
SOAWR Congratulates the Republic of Cameroon on Its Ratification of the AU Protocol
Cameroon has become the 36th African Union (AU) Member State to ratify the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa following its deposit of its ratification instrument on 28 December 2012. The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) Coalition congratulates Cameroon on taking this important step, which demonstrates its commitment to women’s rights and gender equality. The ratification process has been a long journey. Cameroon signed the Protocol on 25 July 2006 and, on 28 May 2009, President Paul Biya issued Decree Number 2009/143 on the Ratification of the Protocol. Unfortunately, this decree met with opposition from religious communities
Republic of Congo and Guinea Ratify the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa
The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR), a pan-African coalition of 42 organizations in 23 African countries, congratulates the Republic of Congo and the Republic of Guinea on their ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (hereafter the Protocol). The ratification by Congo and Guinea on 6th of August and 17th of September 2012 respectively, brings the total number of ratifications to 34 (thirty-four) out of the 54 (fifty-four) African member states. The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR), a pan-African coalition of 42 organizations
The Republic of Congo’s Ratification of the African Women’s Rights Protocol
The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) coalition welcomes The Republic of Congo’s ratification of the African Women’s Rights Protocol. After a long period Congo has finally deposited its instrument of ratification with the African Union Commission on 6 August 2012. SOAWR also urges other countries who have ratified but have not deposited their instruments to do so urgently. Congo becomes the 33rd country to ratify the Protocol. SOAWR is working on securing the remaining 21 ratification.
SOAWR Statement on Situation of Women in Mali
SOAWR is greatly concerned over the growing humanitarian situation amidst increasing reports of human rights abuses and violations in Mali following the Coup which took place on March 22, 2012. SOAWR vehemently condemns the violence being perpetrated on innocent bystanders and urges the Government to fulfil its commitment to protect its citizens against all human rights abuses, especially women and girls. Download Statement – English Download Statement – French