Civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa have been called to action to enhance their advocacy for human rights by investing in robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks and leveraging evidence-based approaches. This crucial message was conveyed during the Third Stakeholders Meeting, which was dedicated to improving human rights conditions across the continent.
Former Chief Justice Emeritus Hon. David Maraga highlighted the pivotal role of data governance in addressing human rights violations. “By leveraging data, stakeholders can gain insights into the challenges they face and formulate effective strategies to tackle them,” Maraga emphasized. His remarks underscored the critical importance of data in shaping policies and actions aimed at advancing human rights.
The meeting focused on the project “Enhancing Pan-African Civil Society Participation and Engagement with the Africa Governance Platform.” Maraga stressed the need for collective efforts, urging all stakeholders to unite in addressing urgent human rights issues across Africa.
In 2023, the D4GA (Data for Governance in Africa) consortium hosted three regional conventions in South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya. These conventions provided essential platforms for discussing human rights challenges and fostering dialogue among CSOs, government officials, and international partners.
The D4GA consortium, which includes AFROBAROMETER, the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), Laws Africa, and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), is committed to addressing these challenges through data-driven methodologies and collaborative efforts. The consortium aims to equip CSOs with comprehensive data to enhance their human rights advocacy and ensure alignment with international standards.
As the struggle for human rights continues, it is crucial for CSOs to prioritize evidence-based strategies and invest in effective M&E frameworks to maximize their impact and adhere to global best practices.
Additional Reporting by Bruno Aero
KTMN Reporter 
Meza Mwanza