UN in Ghana and CHRAJ convene high-level dialogue with parliamentarians to advance human rights, governance and accountability

The United Nations in Ghana, in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has convened a high-level dialogue with the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament of Ghana to advance governance, rule of law and accountability through a human rights-based approach.

Held in Koforidua in the Eastern Region of Ghana, the engagement brought together Members of Parliament and UN agencies under the umbrella of the UN Human Rights Sub-Group.

The dialogue aims to strengthen the capacity of Parliamentarians, particularly Members of the Human Rights Committee to integrate human rights principles into their legislative, oversight, and constituency work. It also seeks to deepen understanding of the roles of duty bearers and rights holders to ensure inclusive governance, non-discrimination, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

In his opening remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, H.E. Zia Choudhury, highlighted the importance of the dialogue in shaping a more inclusive and rights-driven national governance framework. “We gather today at a critical juncture in Ghana’s democratic journey—one where global human rights commitments must be made real for every Ghanaian, in every community,” he said.
“The United Nations system in Ghana is pleased to partner with CHRAJ and Parliament on this strategic engagement. Through our Human Rights Sub-Group—led by OHCHR, UNFPA, and UNAIDS—we remain committed to supporting Ghana’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacities and meet international obligations.”

The CHRAJ Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Whittal, noted that the establishment of Parliament’s Human Rights Committee comes at a crucial time. He further stressed Ghana’s responsibility under international human rights frameworks saying; “Ghana has a duty to report periodically on its international obligations under human rights instruments it ratified at the UN and regional levels… Ghana is not doing well in this regard, and the issue must be confronted head on for solutions to be found.”

The Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, emphasized Parliament’s vital role in safeguarding rights while deepening democratic governance. “Our people deserve a Parliament that not only speaks for them but stands with them. A Parliament that not only passes laws but ensures they are just, inclusive, and reflective of the lived realities of all citizens. This is our collective mandate, and this workshop is a critical step in fulfilling it,” he stated.

The high-level dialogue featured a panel discussion on international, regional, and national human rights instruments and mechanisms, as well as group sessions focused on strengthening governance and accountability in parliamentary work including the integration of human rights in legislative processes and the protection of the rights of vulnerable populations.