CSOs Urged to Invest in Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks to Enhance Human Rights Efforts in Africa

By Bruno Aero 

 Mr William Carew,Head of Ecossoc Secretariat.

In a significant call to action, civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa have been urged to invest in robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks and utilize evidence-based arguments to strengthen their advocacy for human rights. This message was underscored during the Third Stakeholders Meeting, which focused on enhancing human rights across the continent.

Former Chief Justice Emeritus Hon. David Maraga emphasized that data governance is not merely a technical necessity but a vital component in the fight against human rights violations. He stated, "By leveraging data, stakeholders can gain insights into the challenges they face and formulate effective strategies to tackle them." Maraga's remarks highlight the essential role of data in informing policies and actions aimed at improving human rights conditions.

The meeting centered around the project "Enhancing Pan-African Civil Society Participation and Engagement with the Africa Governance Platform." Maraga called for collaboration among all stakeholders, stressing the importance of unity in confronting urgent human rights issues across Africa.

In 2023, the D4GA (Data for Governance in Africa) consortium organized three regional conventions in South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya. These events served as vital platforms for discussing the various challenges to human rights in the region and fostering dialogue among civil society organizations, government representatives, and international partners.

         Stakeholders group Photo.

The D4GA consortium, comprising AFROBAROMETER, the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), Laws Africa, and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), is dedicated to tackling these challenges through data-driven methodologies and collaborative initiatives. The consortium's efforts aim to provide comprehensive data for the continent, ensuring that CSOs can effectively advocate for human rights while complying with international standards.

As the fight for human rights continues, it is imperative that CSOs prioritize evidence-based approaches and invest in M&E frameworks to ensure their efforts are impactful and aligned with global best practices.