During the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, chaired by the Head of State, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, the promotion of human rights occupied a central place. Returning to International Human Rights Day celebrated the day before, the President reaffirmed Senegal’s attachment to the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms, while highlighting recent institutional and legislative progress.
A new National Human Rights Commission
The Council of Ministers welcomed the entry into force of Law No. 2024-14, promulgated on September 18, 2024, creating the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH). This structure, intended to be the institutional pillar for the protection and promotion of human rights, benefits from a reinforced legal framework.
The Head of State gave precise directives:
• Appointment of members of the commission: The call for applications process must be finalized before January 31, 2025.
• Increased budgetary resources: The Minister of Finance and Budget is responsible for allocating substantial financial resources to ensure the optimal functioning of the CNDH.
• Five-year strategic plan: The commission will have to develop a development plan aligned with the presidential vision of a sovereign, just and prosperous Senegal.
Teaching human rights: a national obligation
The Council of Ministers also insisted on the importance of raising citizens’ awareness of human rights from an early age. The President called for the mandatory introduction of human rights modules in:
• School and university systems.
• National training schools.
This initiative aims to sustainably anchor the values of justice, respect for freedoms and human dignity in Senegalese society.
Rigorous monitoring for concrete results
The Prime Minister has been given the task of supervising all government actions in the promotion of human rights. The objective is to:
• Improve Senegal’s position in international human rights rankings.
• Coordinate efforts between relevant ministries for smooth implementation of policies.
Progress thanks to the Assizes of Justice
During the Council, the Head of State also recalled the importance of the recommendations resulting from the Assizes of Justiceheld on May 28, 2024. These recommendations, currently being implemented, aim to strengthen the independence and efficiency of the Senegalese judicial system, an essential condition for the protection of human rights.
A vision for the future
The approach adopted by the Council of Ministers reflects a desire to position Senegal as a model in terms of respect for human rights in Africa and in the world. The President reaffirmed that the protection of fundamental freedoms and rights of every Senegalese citizen is an absolute priority.
By banking on a strong institution like the National Human Rights Commission, supported by a solid budgetary and strategic framework, Senegal intends to meet the challenges linked to improving living conditions, social justice and sovereignty. national.
This Council of Ministers marks a decisive step towards more inclusive and transparent management of human rights, placing Senegal on the path to asserted leadership in this area on an international scale.
