CSO urged to form stronger collaboration to promote human rights 

Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ms. Mercy Larbi, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to human rights and underscored the critical role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

She made these remarks at the opening ceremony of a two-day UPR Civil Society Midterm Review Workshop organised by the POS Foundation in Accra.

The event brought together key stakeholders including government representatives, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, CSOs and the media, to assess Ghana’s progress in implementing recommendations from its most recent UPR cycle.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Larbi expressed appreciation to the POS Foundation and participating organisations for their dedication to the promotion and protection of human rights in Ghana.

“Your presence and participation in this UPR process is a testament to the strength of our collective resolve. This workshop is a pivotal moment, an opportunity for reflection, evaluation and strategic planning halfway through Ghana’s UPR cycle,” she said.

She emphasised that Ghana’s active engagement with the UPR process demonstrates its commitment to upholding human rights standards and fulfilling international obligations.

The UPR, she noted, is a cooperative mechanism that relies heavily on the input and collaboration of a diverse range of stakeholders, including CSOs, the judiciary, Parliament, the media, academia and the United Nations system.

Ms. Larbi praised the unique and essential role CSOs play within the UPR mechanism, particularly in monitoring the human rights situation, analysing progress, identifying gaps and advocating for meaningful change.

“CSOs act as observers, holding duty-bearers accountable and giving voice to the voiceless. This collaboration is the lifeblood of the human rights agenda,” she said.

The Deputy Commissioner noted that the midterm review process was vital for strengthening accountability and ensuring that commitments made at the international level are translated into real improvements in the lives of Ghanaians.

“The human rights of Ghanaians are not abstract concepts. They are the foundation of democracy and the promise of a dignified life for all,” she declared.

She encouraged participants to engage in open and constructive dialogue, share honest assessments, and contribute to a robust and comprehensive civil society midterm report that reflects the realities on the ground.

“Let us approach this task with a renewed sense of purpose. Working together ensures that Ghana’s human rights obligations are not just fulfilled on paper, but are realised in the lived experiences of every citizen.”

The two-day workshop is expected to culminate in the drafting of a consolidated midterm report from civil society, which will feed into Ghana’s national reporting process, ahead of the next UPR cycle.

Participants at the opening ceremony included representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Department; the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office; UNFPA; the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and numerous human rights-focused CSOs.

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