Pr. James Mouangue Kobila: «As this seventh Policy Dialogue Forum draws to a close, in my dual capacity as Chairperson of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission and Vice-Chairperson of NANHRI, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the enriching debates, the quality of the contributions and the unwavering commitment each of you has shown, right up to the last minute, in support of historical, moral and reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent»

Closing Address by Professor James Mouangue Kobila,
– Chairperson of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and
– Vice-President of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI)

At the 7th Policy Forum AUC-NANHRI

Theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations: The Role of NHRIs
and Other Human Rights Actors

Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As this seventh Policy Dialogue Forum draws to a close, in my dual capacity as Chairperson of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission and Vice-Chairperson of NANHRI, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the enriching debates, the quality of the contributions
and the unwavering commitment each of you has shown, right up to the last minute, in support of historical, moral and reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.

These three days of intense reflection and sincere questioning have reminded us of an obvious truth: the legacies of the crime of slavery and colonialism, and systemic racism are not a closed book. They are sometimes perpetuated in insidious forms of injustice, fuelling structural inequalities that require a firm and collective response rooted in law. This year’s theme – reparations – is not about nostalgia, but about justice, fairness and recognition. It is about restoring dignity, restoring truth and ensuring the non-recurrence of such acts.

We have said this repeatedly: National human rights institutions have a central role to play. They are not only responsible for documenting past and present violations but also for mobilising societies, raising awareness, and influencing public policy. They ares entries and mediators but also catalysts for reparatory justice.

We alson eed to strengthen our alliances with civil society, victim communities, researchers, and both African and universal organisations. We must leave this forum with the conviction that reparations are, of course, primarily financial, but they are also symbolic, legal, educational and institutional. They must transform systems and not just soothe wounds. I hopefully note that several strong, practical and realistic recommendations have emerged from our deliberations, including the creation of regional mechanisms to coordinate reparation initiatives, the systematic inclusion of the issue of reparations in national human rights action plans and ultimately, the adoption of a unified African position to be advanced on the global stage.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, A although this Forum is coming to an end, our mission continues. Let us continue working together to ensure justice is done, remembrance becomes a lever for transformation, and Africa, united with its diaspora, is fully recognised in its dignity, history and right to reparations.

I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to all the organisers and each participant who have shown remarkable and widely acknowledged zeal in making this Forum a success. Thank you and may you all have a safe journey back to your respective countries, with hearts full of determination and fraternity.

C.P.