Parliamentarians from Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and The Gambia have gathered in Accra, Ghana, for a two-day workshop on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) toolkit, which runs from 12 to 13 November 2024.

The workshop aims to equip MPs from Parliamentary Caucuses focused on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) with the tools and knowledge to better address religious freedom and human rights issues through the UPR process.

Organisers say the training will enable MPs to play a more significant role in advancing religious freedom and safeguarding human rights across Africa. By gaining insight into the UPR process, MPs are expected to make more informed contributions to enhance protections for religious freedom in their respective countries.

The Universal Periodic Review, a UN Human Rights Council mechanism, reviews the human rights records of all UN member states. By leveraging the UPR toolkit, MPs will be better positioned to advocate for change and strengthen oversight on issues impacting religious freedom and human rights violations.

The workshop underscores a commitment to empowering African leaders in the ongoing global effort to uphold human rights and promote religious tolerance.

Source:TheDotNews