Africa Rights Talk africarightstalk

In conversation with Elsabe Boshoff, Samrawit Getaneh and Nastasia Thebaud-Bouillon-Njenga
This is a podcast series brought to you by the HRDA Alumni Task Force on Climate Justice and Rights of Future Generations in Africa, hosted under the Africa Rights Talk – Centre for Human Rights podcast. The initial aim is to produce a limited series of six podcasts that form a coherent whole, introducing some of the main challenges related to climate change and human rights in Africa. We take this opportunity to acknowledge the financial support of the European Union through the Global Campus for Human Rights.
In this podcast episode, the two speakers, Elsabe Boshoff and Samrawit Getaneh, discuss on how climate change disproportionately affects children in Africa, and the interlinkages between multiple systematic inequalities affecting girls and boys in their diversity. They also touch on the responsibilities of African states as duty bearers with regard to ensuring the whole range of children’s human rights in the context of a changing climate.
Samrawit elaborates on the negative impacts of climate change due to their physical and cognitive levels of development. She highlights how children bear the brunt of the impact of anthropogenic GHC emissions. Samrawit further stresses that girls are particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, given the gender norms that affect their roles, such as helping with household chores.
Elsabe reflects on the urgency to tackle climate-related challenges in Africa based on the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that has projected that around 125 million children could be subjected to the consequences of climate change by 2030, through displacement, water scarcity and malnutrition, which all impact on the health of the child. In addition, Elsabe points out the impacts of heatwaves on pregnant women and their fetuses, which include delayed brain development in unborn children, resulting in educational attainment and work outcomes later in life.
Finally, both speakers zoom in on some recommendations such as children empowerment and more engagement from state members. Children can be empowered to share their views on climate-related issues that directly affect them. These are through child parliaments where children get the opportunity to debate on important issues on the national agenda. It is also important that African state parties engage more with the Working Group on Children’s Rights and Climate Change under the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (African Committee).
In this podcast episode, the two speakers, Elsabe Boshoff and Samrawit Getaneh, discuss on how climate change disproportionately affects children in Africa, and the interlinkages between multiple systematic inequalities affecting girls and boys in their diversity. They also touch on the responsibilities of African states as duty bearers with regard to ensuring the whole range of children’s human rights in the context of a changing climate.
Samrawit elaborates on the negative impacts of climate change due to their physical and cognitive levels of development. She highlights how children bear the brunt of the impact of anthropogenic GHC emissions. Samrawit further stresses that girls are particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, given the gender norms that affect their roles, such as helping with household chores.
Elsabe reflects on the urgency to tackle climate-related challenges in Africa based on the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that has projected that around 125 million children could be subjected to the consequences of climate change by 2030, through displacement, waterscarcity and malnutrition, which all impact on the health of the child. In addition, Elsabe points out the impacts of heatwaves on pregnant women and their fetuses, which include delayed brain development in unborn children, resulting in educational attainment and work outcomes late

In conversation with Prof Ademola Jegede and Davina Murden
This is a podcast series brought to you by the HRDA Alumni Task Force on Climate Justice and Rights of Future Generations in Africa, hosted under the Africa Rights Talk – Centre for Human Rights podcast. The initial aim is to produce a limited series of six podcasts that form a coherent whole, introducing some of the main challenges related to climate change andhuman rights in Africa.
In this first episode of the HRDA Alumni Task Force on Climate Justice and Rights of Future Generations in Africa podcast, Davina Murden (HRDA Class of 2021, Mauritius) welcomed Prof Ademola Jegede (HRDA Class of 2008, Nigeria) who engaged on an exploratory discussion on the concept of climate justice in the African context. While we agree that there is no universal definition of climate justice, Prof Jegede reflected on how climate justice must be dealt with under a different light in the African context, especially among marginalised communities who are the most vulnerable ones. When asked by the host whether Africa is the continent where the term ‘climate justice’ was first used, Prof Jegede replied in the negative. However, he affirmed that Africa is the continent that experiences considerable injustices with regards to climate change due to human actions and inactions. This also raises the question of fairness and equity according to Prof Jegede.
In addition, Prof Jegede reflected on the changes that non-governmental organisations working on climate justice face. These are, for example, lack of resources and capacities to engage with climate-related challenges. He also added how African leaders are sometimes reluctant to take actions on ‘climate violence’.
Another important point on which Prof Jegede engaged was the lack of education in Africa when it comes to climate justice. While he commended African universities for including climate justice in some academic programmes, Prof Jegede also noted that many Africans still do not know what climate justice is, which makes it difficult to raise awareness on the issue in Africa. In his concluding remarks, Prof Jegede stressed on the importance of educating everyone on climate justice by adopting a bottom-up approach at both an individual and community level.
Ademola Jegede is a Professor of Law in the School of Law, University of Venda, South Africa. He is also the Interim Director at the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and People’ Rights at the University of Venda. He has widely published on the interface of climate change on rights of vulnerable populations. In 2023, the African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) appointed Professor Jegede to serve as an external expert to its Working Group on Children and Climate Change.
The Centre for Human Rights is the regional headquarters of the Global Campus Africa, which comprises 13 partner universities across Africa and forms part of the broader Global Campus of Human Rights, which is a network of over 100 universities in eight regions with the vision and mission ‘to foster new generations of human rights defenders contributing to a world in which human dignity, equality, freedom, security, sustainable development, democracy and the rule of law are realised.’ We acknowledge the financial support from the European Union through the Global Campus for Human Rights.
This conversation was recorded on 20 March 2024. 

In conversation with Tendai Shepherd Mbanje
In this  episode of the Africa Rights Talk podcast, Mr. Tendai Mbanje engaged in a thought-provoking conversation addressing critical issues related to South Africa’s political landscape and democratic processes.  He noted that South Africa has witnessed declining voter registration and turnout due to disillusionment with politicians. Issues like corruption, poor service delivery, and unemployment have eroded public trust. He noted that to restore faith in the electoral process and governance, political parties must be transparent about their actions, decisions, and financial dealings, hold leaders accountable for their promises and actions, prioritise efficient service delivery to address citizens’ needs, implement robust anti-corruption measures and engage with citizens. 
Mr Mbanje emphasised the importance of attracting and mobilising  young voters. He iterated that the youth demographic plays a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s future and that political parties should Educate young voters about their rights, the electoral process, and the impact of their vote, and develop policies that resonate with youth concerns (e.g., education, employment, climate change) and most importantly,include young leaders in decision-making bodies. On the note of balancing ambitious promises and realism of political campaigns, parties should make specific commitments rather than vague promises, back promises with evidence and feasible plans and communicate limitations and challenges honestly.
Mr Mbanje noted that the 2024 elections coincide with South Africa’s 30th anniversary of democracy, therefore making it a unique election. And that the outcome will determine if it is a maturing democracy or a regressing democracy and may influence democratic norms in other African nations. Furthermore,  he commended the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and other various governmental and non-governmental institutions in combating disinformation and ensuring credible elections and highlighted  that South Africa’s elections serves as a model due to its implementation of robust fact-checking mechanisms, education of citizens about discerning reliable information, transparent communication about electoral processes and her willingness tp collaborate globally to combat disinformation.
In summary, Mr. Tendai Mbanje’s insights underscore the importance of transparent, accountable, and youth-inclusive political processes in shaping South Africa’s future and influencing democratic practices across the African continent.
Mr. Tendai Shepherd Mbanje is an accomplished scholar and advocate, and currently a Project Officer, at the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit (EIDR), Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. He has made significant contributions to African governance and electoral processes. His research focuses on the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) within the African Union. Mr. Mbanje’s work sheds light on credible and legitimate electoral practices, emphasising transparency, accountability, and youth engagement. His insights resonate beyond South Africa, influencing democratic norms and practices in neighbouring African nations, and exploring strategies to combat disinformation and ensure credible electoral outcomes.
This conversation was recorded on 19 March 2024.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc imitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386

In conversation with Dr David Nnanna Ikpo



On Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria hosted a film screening of a documentary commemorating two decades of legal recognition of same-sex marriages in Belgium, France, and South Africa.
This documentary titled “Hold” directed by Dr. David Ikpo and produced by Tshepang Mamaregane, is a project developed in celebration of this milestone.  Africa Rights Talk sits with the director, Dr David Ikpo. He notes that this documentary elevates the stories and voices of same-sex couples and serves as a powerful tool to track the current realities of same-sex couples in the context of legal recognition in the three nations. The project successfully captured the lived experiences of same-sex couples. The documentary sheds light on the social, political, and economic factors influencing marriage and civil unions. By documenting these realities beyond legal recognition, it holds society and states accountable for protecting the rights of same-sex couples.
The film contributes to increased visibility for LGBTI persons globally, regionally, and nationally. As we reflect of the past 20 years, let us continue advocating for love, equality, and human rights for all. This episode celebrates progress, amplifies voices, and inspires continued advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. 
Dr. David Nnanna Ikpo, a Nigerian lawyer and storyteller. Dr Ikpo graduated from the LLM/MPHIL in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa program at the University of Pretoria in 2016. His debut novel, “Fimi Sile Forever”, garnered critical acclaim and was even shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Prize for Best Gay Fiction in 2018. He co-founded the Queer Space Collective, a platform that fosters dialogue, visibility, and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, Dr. Ikpo obtained his honours degree in ‘motion pictures’ from AFDA (South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) as well as a  doctoral degree qualification. His thesis, titled “Using indigenous storytelling and African Commission soft law in Nigerian law classrooms to advance queer rights,” explores the legal and pedagogical potential of African Commission Resolution 275. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow and communications officer at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_YhBd_q94g  This conversation was recorded on 7 March 2024.Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns
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In conversation with Mr Angus Thomas
Human and sex trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, affecting millions of people worldwide. In 2016, approximately 25 million people experienced forced labour and sexual exploitation worldwide. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable: for every ten detected victims, about five were adult women and two were girls. According to Walk Free, there are an estimated 50 million people in modern slavery today, with 54% being women and girls and 1 in 4 children.
On this episode,  Africa Rights Talk talks with Mr Angus Thomas, founder of Send Them Home, a campaign group helping to repatriate African women trafficked to the UAE for forced sex work, and the Hope Education Project, a pilot education programme in Ghana tackling human trafficking at its source. Angus delves into the harrowing realities of sex trafficking, citing his encounter with a young Nigerian woman trafficked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for sexual exploitation as his inspiration for working in anti-trafficking.  Realising the vulnerability of these victims, he embarked on a journey to repatriate African women that had been tricked into travelling to the UAE and had become victims of human trafficking. Angus then highlights the challenges of working in the UAE, where the Government is often unwilling to investigate human trafficking networks and support victims. He notes that ensuring survivors’ safety during repatriation requires a delicate diplomacy and extensive network of good Samaritans on the ground to help. In conclusion, Angus highlights the importance of education as a pivotal tool in preventing and combating human trafficking. By raising awareness about the tactics and schemes of human trafficking rings, Angus believes that it is possible to empower potential victims to recognise the signs and keep themselves safe.
Angus Thomas is a human rights advocate and photographer who fights against exploitation and injustice. His activism in human trafficking began in 2019 when he encountered a young Nigerian woman trafficked to the UAE for sexual exploitation. This encounter fuelled his determination to combat trafficking networks, and saw Angus establish Send Them Home. His efforts garnered international media attention and prompted an extensive investigation into sex trafficking in Dubai.
In 2021, Angus established the Hope Education Project in Ghana. This program focuses on human trafficking education and awareness amongst at risk schools and communities. The education programme aims to disrupt the flow of vulnerable women trafficked for exploitation, both internationally and within Ghana. Angus Thomas’ unwavering commitment continues to make a difference to communities affected by exploitation and trafficking.
To hear firsthand accounts from survivors Angus has helped repatriate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg41TwbbYMc&t=2s
You can find out more on Send Them Home by visiting its website here: https://sendthemhome.co.uk/, and the Hope Education Project here: https://hopeeducationproject.org/. 
 
This conversation was recorded on 8 February 2024.
 
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In conversation with Chrispin Bosire and Mr Henok Ashagrey Kremte
In this episode, Chrispin Bosire, an HRDA alumnus, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Henok Ashagrey Kremte, a Project Officer with the Expression, Information, and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of internet shutdowns and their profound impact on Ethiopia.
 
Henok provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of internet freedom in Ethiopia, shedding light on the frequency of shutdowns. Drawing on recent events, including a state of emergency and government-imposed shutdowns in the Amhara region, he unravels the alarming persistence of these disruptions. The discussion extends to the situation in Tigray, where Henok explores whether internet services have been restored or remain non-functional.
 
Venturing into the human impact of these shutdowns, Henok shares poignant case stories, illustrating how individuals in affected areas are directly affected. Beyond personal anecdotes, the episode delves into the legal framework in Ethiopia, examining the rights that could be invoked to contest the government's actions, and discussed the way forward.  
 
Henok Ashagrey is a Project officer with the Centre’s Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit (EIDR), serves as a tutor for the LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) program, and currently pursuing an LLD at the University of Pretoria. Henok has worked previously in various positions in Ethiopia including Lecturer, and Senior Human Rights Researcher.
 
Chrispin Bosire is an alumnus of the University of Pretoria and holds the LL.M Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa.  He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya; a Certified Professional Mediator; and attended the Kenya School of Internet Governance (2021).  He holds a Law Degree (LL.B) from Moi University, a Post Graduate Law Diploma from the Kenya School of Law and is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative. He is currently a Professional Assistant at the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights attached to the Head of Legal Department.
 
This conversation was recorded on 15 December 2023.
 
Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc  limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386