Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament and Second Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, has called for stronger human rights protections, democratic governance and peacebuilding efforts across Africa.
She made the remarks while addressing the opening of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul on behalf of the President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Fateh Boutbig.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted the role of women in peacebuilding, mediation and conflict prevention, describing them as key community stabilisers and bridge-builders during crises.
She also urged African Union member states to ratify the Malabo Convention to strengthen Africa’s response to cybersecurity threats, protect citizens online and advance digital sovereignty.
The MP further called on member states to ratify and domesticate model laws developed by the Pan-African Parliament to improve governance systems and harmonise legislation across the continent.
She stressed the need to recognise digital rights as human rights in the era of artificial intelligence and rapid digitalisation, and called for legal and policy frameworks to protect citizens in the digital space.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings added that sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved through military responses alone, but require strong institutions, constitutionalism, civic participation, inclusive governance and political commitment.
She said Africa’s future depends on building secure, inclusive and rights-based societies that reflect the aspirations of its people.
