Africa: NGO Forum to be held in Ghana

Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, and 15th African Human Rights Book Fair
12 - 14 May, 2007 - Accra, Ghana

The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) is an independent non-governmental Pan-African organisation, established in The Gambia since 1989. Since its inception, the Centre has been playing a central role in promoting and protecting human rights and democracy in Africa, through the media of capacity building, networking, action-oriented research, publication and documentation. The Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the Ordinary Sessions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is one of the main advocacy tools that the Centre uses to promote networking among Human Rights NGOs, for the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa. Between 1990 and 1994, ACDHRS collaborated with the International Commission of Jurist (ICJ, Geneva), in facilitating the participation of civil society organizations, academicians and other professionals from Africa and beyond in the African Commission's sessions. However, since April 2000 the ACDHRS has facilitated the participation of NGOs and individuals in the Sessions, in collaboration with the African Commission and other Human Rights Organisations working for Africa. The last Forum held in Banjul, The Gambia was a resounding success with participation of about 110 representatives, coming from civil society organizations and in particular, from NGOs, inter-state organisations, the academia, etc.

The ACDHRS will also organise the African Human Rights Book Fair during the Forum and the public sessions of the Commission, to enable NGOs network and initiate or renew, the exchange of materials and information, as well as to publicise their activities. OBJECTIVE The main objective of the Forum is to foster closer collaboration and co-operation among NGOs, and with the African Commission for promoting and protecting human rights in Africa and to provide a conducive discussion platform for organisations working on democracy and human rights issues on the continent. The Forum will be conducted in both English and French with simultaneous interpretation. RESOURCE PERSONS Resource persons for the Forum are usually eminent activists and experts dealing with democracy and human rights issues in Africa.

PARTICIPATION Unless otherwise funded by the African Centre, all participants to the Forum are expected to meet the full cost of their participation, including a subsidised registration and participation fee of US$ 50 (fifty US Dollars). This amount would be used by the African Centre to meet the cost of teas or coffee breaks, documentation, pens, notepads and other administrative logistics for the duration of the Forum only. The cost of lunch will therefore Participants should therefore meet the cost of their lunches. The said amount should be paid in cash at the registration desk located within the Hotel where the Forum would be held. The African Centre could make accommodation arrangements on behalf of participants, at their request, provided relevant information is received in time.

Participants who are citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) do not need entry visas for Ghana. However, we would wish to encourage participants to make necessary visa arrangements where required before departing from their respective countries for Ghana. The African Centre would, assist in making arrangements for visas to be issued on arrival to participants who do not have Ghanaian Embassies, Consulates or High Commissions in their countries. The Centre would require the passport details of such participants in time for forwarding to the relevant Government department.

Display of publications at the Book Fair is a basic requirement for participation. We encourage participants to hand carry publications. Further information will be communicated to interested individuals and organizations upon receipt of the reply form. PLACE AND DURATION OF THE FORUM As usual, the three-day Forum would take place from 12th to 14th May, 2007 while the Public Sessions of the African Commission would hold from 15th to 20th May, 2007.

2007 ACCRA, GHANA REPLY FORM/FORMULAIRE DE REPONSE SECTION A Mr/M. Ms/Mlle Mrs/Mme: ...........................................................................................................

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If Yes, for how many nights/ Dans l'affirmative, combien de nuits?.....................................................................

SECTION C - This must be provided should you wish to be considered for the issuance of visa or entry permit on arrival - A remplir si vous souhaitez obtenir le visa à l'arrivée PASSPORT DETAILS/DETAILS DU PASSEPORT Nationality/Nationalité: ........................................................................................................................

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African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights StudiesZoe Tembo Building, Kerr Sereign, The Gambia Tel:(220) 4462340 / 1 - Fax. (220) 4462338 / 9 Email/Courriel: [email][email protected] / [email][email protected]