draft peace and security cluster: report to the 12th and security... · draft peace and security...

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Draft

Peace and Security Cluster: Report to the 12th

Session of the Regional Coordination Mechanism

(RCM-Africa)

21 – 22 November 2011 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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DRAFT

Contents

I. The Peace and Security Cluster .....................................................................................................

1.1 Meetings held..........................................................................................................................

1.2. Preparation and adoption of Cluster planning Matrix............................................................

1.3 Joint activities implemented in the Cluster system.................................................................

II. Coordination and collaboration; achievements, results and impact.............................................

2.1 Sub cluster on the Peace and Security Architecture of the AU ..............................................

2.2 Sub cluster on Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) ...............................

2.3 Sub cluster Emergency Preparedness and Response ..............................................................

2.4 Sub Cluster Human Rights, Justice and Reconciliation..........................................................

III. Communication/Outreach/Advocacy..........................................................................................

IV. Challenges and Constraints .......................................................................................................

V. Lesson learned and the Way Forward..........................................................................................

Annex 1: TYCPB Work Programme - Peace and Security Cluster..............................................

Annex 2 Sub Cluster - Human Rights Planning matrix................................................................

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I. The Peace and Security Cluster

The Peace and Security Cluster of the RCM-Africa, is composed of three sub-clusters, and co-chaired by the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) on behalf of UN-Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and the Secretariat of the African Union Peace and Security Council. There sub-clusters are: Peace and Security Architecture of the African Union (AU) co-chaired by the Secretary to the AUPSOD and UNOAU; the Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Sub cluster, co chaired by the AUC Head of Conflict Management, and UNHCR Representative to the AU and ECA, the Human Rights, Justice and Reconciliation Sub cluster co-chaired by Human Rights DPA in AUC and the Regional Representative of OHCHR.

The process of realigning the Human Rights Sub-Cluster within the Peace and Security and Governance Clusters so as to effectively promote the mainstreaming of human rights in peace and security as well as development issues, has been finalized and would become operational effective after the 12th RCM meeting. To that end, the Sub-cluster will be split into two Sub-Clusters: Human Rights under the Governance Cluster and Justice and Reconciliation under the Peace and Security Cluster.

Following the decision of the 11th RCM-Africa in November 2010 to establish the Emergency Preparedness and Response sub-cluster under the Peace and Security Cluster, OCHA organized several consultations with relevant stakeholders. Terms of reference for the sub-cluster have since been endorsed by the Cluster as part of the formal procedures for the operationalization of the sub-cluster. The Emergency and Preparedness Sub-Cluster will become operational after the 12th RCM meeting.

1.1 Cluster Meetings

The Peace and Security Cluster has continued to provide support to the AUl and sub-regional organizations in the areas of conflict prevention, crisis management, and resolution of ongoing conflicts, humanitarian and emergency issues, electoral assistance [jointly with the Governance Cluster], and training for the development and operationalization of the APSA. It has also provided support for post-conflict peace-building matters and human rights, justice and reconciliation. During 2010-11, the Cluster encouraged the AU Commission to comprehensively assess the needs of the different Departments of the AU, including the human resource challenges, and provided the requisite support in this area.

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In the period between the 11th and 12th RCM meetings, the Cluster met on numerous occasion to to discuss ways and means to implement the decisions and recommendations of the respective RCMs and the UNSG Report on the Review of the Ten Year Capacity Building Program (TYCB), to promote AU ownership of the TYCBP, to develop a three year workplan to reflect the AU Strategic Objectives and the TYCBP Matrix, to review progress and challenges faced by the Cluster and to prepare and finalize the Cluster Report to the 12th RCM. Consultations were undertaken with the AUC, RCM Secretariat and concerned UN Agencies and Organizations to finalize the operationalization of the Emergency Preparedness Sub-Cluster and the realignment of the Human Rights, Justice and Reconciliation Sub-Cluster.

1.2. Preparation and adoption of Cluster planning Matrix

The RCM retreat on 7-9 September 2011 in Debre Zeit agreed that all Clusters use a planning matrix for better coordination of UN capacity development support for the African Union. An UN internal clusters meeting was hosted by UNOAU on the 28th September strategize on the way forward to populate this matrix, and pre RCM cluster meetings were convened on 9, 11 and 18 November 2011 both the UNECA and the AUC.

Following various consultations, the Peace and Security Cluster draft planning matrix, which is based on the AU strategic plan for 2009 – 2012, was adopted by the Cluster.

1.3 Joint activities implemented in the Cluster system

The process of implementing the recommendations of the 11th RCM, faced some hurdles as it required some major realignments to help transform the Framework into programs, to promote AU ownership, and to focus on limited joint Cluster activities with clear objectives, timelines, indicators, outputs and achievements. Thus, while bilateral support to the AU continued and was enhanced, it was not fully translated into joint activities and programs. II. Coordination and collaboration; achievements, results and impact

2.1 Sub cluster on the Peace and Security Architecture of the AU

The Sub-Cluster on African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) continued to support the AU Peace and Security Department, in line with the TYCBP and the AU Commission’s Strategic Plan 2009-2012. The support focuses on the operational development of the

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APSA and the African Standby Force (ASF). In addition to the contribution to the development of the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) through cooperation with its Situation Centre and the AU’s Situation Room, priorities for support focused on the operationalization of the ASF, and the restructuration of the AUPSOD to develop the required AUC capacity to plan, deploy and manage complex and multidimensional peace support operations (PSOs), including financial and logistics management.

At the requested of the AUC, support has been provided to the development of the ASF Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC), police capacity, logistic support concept and manual, Strategic Air, Sea and Ground lift, Continental Logistics Base (CLB), Medical Manual, ASF Evaluation Manual, and Civilian dimension concept. In addition, the UN facilitated specific training requirements for the ASF and AUPSOD, such as Senior Mission Leadership and strategic and operational planning courses for the AU and the RECs/RMs.

The Cluster members continue to work closely with capacity building partners in support of ASF Road Map II, which is mainly geared toward developing, refining, and endorsing the various AU-ASF policy documents, and assessing the operational readiness of the ASF through a two-year exercise cycle, “AMANI AFRICA”. With the support of key partners, including UNOAU, AMANI AFRICA I was successfully conducted in October 2010 in Addis Ababa as a Command Post Exercise (CPX), involving the AU Commission and representatives of the RECs/RMs . Based on the gaps identified during AMANI AFRICA I, Roadmap III has been developed and endorsed by the African Ministers of Defense and Security on 26 October 2011. At the margins of this meeting, AMANI AFRICA II training cycle was launched by the AUC, to run up to 2014. To make support more effective, UN representative have been integrated into the Core Planning Team that provides ongoing training and operational support and advice to the AU and the RECs/RMs.

In addition to UNOAU and UNDP, OCHA has been providing to the development of ASF Roadmap III, which will focus among others on Humanitarian and Natural Disaster Support (HANDS). OCHA also supports continuing consultations towards the development of the Protection of Civilians (PoC) Guidelines for the African Union Mandated peace support operations. To that end, it participated in discussions of the AUC Protection of Civilians Working Group to share lessons learnt and best practices and strengthen working relations between the AUC and the UN inter-departmental PoC working group. Support and collaboration in this area also included delivery of two UN Humanitarian Civil Military Coordination farmiliarization courses to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and humanitarian partners in Somalia. UN Civil Military Coordination support was provided to SADC and EAC and peacekeeping centers in Uganda, Zambia.

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Specific Support to the Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD):

Areas of cooperation:

i) Restructuring of the PSOD (ongoing) • UN facilitated study for the restructuring of PSOD by assisting in the consultancy process.

ii) AMISOM

• UN support in specialized Training for TCCs. • Pre-deployment Trainings: (Inter-operability Training, EOD/IED Operators, Communications) • In Theatre Trainings: (Six Senior Mission Leaders’ course, Three Police Commanders’ Course including development

of the syllabus, Mine Detection Dogs Training, Airport Security Training, Air Traffic Control Training, Quality Control Assessment of the Training).

iii) Curriculum Development for ASF Training

• UN Assistance in the Conduct of Training and Validation for FPUs (ongoing). • ASF Annual Training Program. • Development and Facilitation of Integrated Mission Planning Courses • Facilitation of the Senior Management Courses

iv) Continental Logistics Base (CLB)

• UN Technical Assessment Mission to Douala. • Facilitation of Visit to UN Logistic Base in Italy. • UN offer for Training of AU Staff. • MOU on UN Offer to Assist Current Missions with Materiel on Cost Recoverable basis.

v) Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Mission Planning

• Joint Mission and Joint Logistics Support Planning with UNOAU and OCHA.

vi) Development of ASF Policy Documents-(Doctrine, SOPs, Training Manual, Logistics Concept, C2 and C3IS) was done with full participation of UNOAU.

vii) AMANI Africa Exercise (2010)

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Specific Support to AU Conflict Management Division (CMD)

Conflict Prevention, Mediation and Electoral Assistance In the area of conflict prevention, the UN has continued to implement joint activities with the AU’s Peace and Security Department according to its work programme on strengthening the AU’s mediation capacities. To this effect, activities have included: finalization of the UN-AU mediation partnership guidelines (to be launched on the margins of the AU Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa, January 2012); consultations on the development of an AU roster of mediation experts; conceptualization of UN-AU lessons learned exercises on various mediation efforts (to be held in 2012). The UNOAU, Co-chair of the Peace and Security Cluster, now closely involved in this process, is planning to engage in lessons learned seminars as well (e.g. Cote d’Ivoire) and to hold a technical workshop in spring 2012 to develop terms of reference, standard operating procedures and check-lists for the operationalization of the UN-AU mediation partnership guidelines. A seminar on the implementation of UN and AU gender commitments, resolutions and reports is also envisioned. Further, UNOAU is working on joint initiatives with the AU and the RECs to strengthen institutional mediation capacity and further operational cooperation in this area. A number of joint missions are planned for 2012. UNOAU will participate in the forthcoming AU-RECs meeting on the APSA to be held in Zanzibar in December 2011. As part of the RCM recommendations and the promotion of inter-cluster cooperation and coordination, the Peace and Security Cluster collaborated with the Governance Cluster on support to AU electoral programme. To that end, support to the work of the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU) of the Department of Political Affairs of the AUC. The UN Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) has assigned a consultant to the DEAU of the AUC to develop and manage the database of African Technical Assistants and Observers; and a capacity building expert to assist in planning management and implementation of the Unit’s activities as well as the management of the Electoral Assistance Fund. In promoting support to the AUC, UNOAU hired an electoral specialist, backstopped by UNEAD, for more direct support to the DEAU. Within the reporting time, UNOAU supported DEAU to conduct an AU election observer training in Tunisia for future AU observers, representing Northern African countries. This training will provide direct capacity development for AU election observers and serves as a base line for improvements of AU observation training methodologies. The second area for direct capacity support to the DEAU is in the area of technical support. In order to gain more visibility on the continent as a service provider for technical assistance to EMBs, the DEAU conducted a series of workshops for the Election Commission in Sierra Leone. The UNOAU supported the DEAU in its activities in order to formulate best practices for the conduct of such trainings as well as to formulate policy guidelines for technical assistance in Africa.

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In addition, the PSC Secretariat has started the process of obtaining UN technical support to develop the African Union Manual on Sanctions, in fulfillment of the decision of the relevant AU Policy Organs within the framework of APSA.


i. The Panel of the Wise:

• The AU Panel of the Wise has been working closely with the UN in developing tools for improving the AU mediation capacity.

ii. AU/RECs collaboration:

• The UN has been supporting the AU/RECs cooperation.

iii. The UN has been supporting AU into solving different conflict situations, like the situation in Somalia, Liberia, DRC, Madagascar.

iv. Trainings/Workshops:

• The UN has been supporting the CMD into many different training projects and workshops in Somalia on various themes.

Security Sector Reform (SSR)

In January 2008, the Assembly of the AU Heads of State and Government expressly encouraged the AUC to develop a comprehensive AU policy framework on SSR within the context of the PCRD. Since then, the AUC has made significant progress in implementing this decision and has developed a multi-year SSR programme, identifying four broad objectives for the evolving AU SSR agenda. The programme activities focus - as a first step - on formulating an AU SSR policy and establishing the necessary mechanisms and material and human resource capacities for its implementation.

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The UN has assisted the AUC in designing and implementing SSR orientation workshops for staff from the AU, RECs and the UN, which have also served as a forum to consult and strengthen the AU’s draft policy. In this regard, in November 2009, the AUPSD and the DPKO SSR Unit, on behalf of the UN inter-agency SSR Task Force and with the support of the International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT), designed and implemented a two-day SSR “Orientation Workshop” for expert-level staff from AU Missions and Headquarters, as well as from the RECs. This workshop, which took place in Addis Ababa, introduced participants to key concepts in SSR, highlighted the goals and objectives of SSR processes, and provided participants with an opportunity to contribute to the development of an AU policy framework on SSR through group work and plenary-level discussions. In order to further support the development of an AU policy and strategy on SSR, the AU and UN jointly implemented two similar joint orientation and policy development workshops in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with the financial assistance of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The second pillar of the programme supports the AU and the RECs to develop capacities to implement the AU SSR policy through, for example, the development of policy tools and guidance; human resource capacity-building; joint assessments to countries that may require SSR support; and advocacy and regional training, among other activities. These are going to be addressed by a project funded by the EUC and the Netherlands (“Building African Union Capacities in Security Sector Reform (SSR”). The project has to start in the beginning of 2012.

The UN has been actively engaged in the consultations to develop AU SSR policy framework as well as building the capacity on the project.

• The AU has developed a strong SSR working relationship with the UN in this regard, as the DPKO SSR Unit/UNOAU supported a number of activities including SSR orientation workshops for AU staff and Regional Economic Communities throughout 2010 and 2011.

• The AU-UNDP project has supported financially some of the SSR activities of the AUC.

Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)

• The AUC established the AU-Regions Steering Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) to enhance the capacity and harmonize and coordinate the efforts of the AU, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and

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Regional Bodies with a SALW mandate to enhance cooperation and synergy across the regions in the fight against illicit SALW, whereby the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) has observer status.

AU-UNDP Project

• The AU-UNDP project has supported the activities of the Steering Committee through funding its meetings. The project will also sponsor the training of the Members of the Steering Committee later this year.

• The UNDP Nigeria Human Security Project has also provided financial support to the activities of the Steering Committee.

Specific Support to Building of the AU-UN Strategic Partnership

PSD has appointed a focal person for AU-UN Cooperation in order to move the partnership beyond technical capacity building issue, in the area of strategic and political partnership.


i. In strengthening the cooperation, AU has drafted a Position Paper on AU-UN Strategic Cooperation on the area of peace and Security Council. A draft paper is waiting for the AU PSC approval.

ii. AU PSC and UNSC have been holding Annual consultative Meetings since 2007, whereby the two Councils exchange their views on peace and security issues also on the way forward in strengthening their partnership.

iii. Commissioner for Peace and Security, UN-Under the Secretary General, AU Political Affairs Department, Peace Keeping Operations and Field Support, for the year 2011, held two (2) Joint Task Force Meetings discussing the strategic cooperation with the UN.

iv. The AU and UN hold AU/UN Desk-to-Desk meetings to discuss cooperation in the area of peace and security. The next meeting will be held in December 2011, which will include the RECs. UNOAU, UNHCR, OCHA, UNICEF, OHCHR, UN

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WOMEN, UNDP, AUC Peace and Security and Political Affairs Departments, and RECs/RMs Liaison Officers to AU participated in the 5th UN Secretariat-AU Commission consultations on conflict and mediation which took place in June 2011 in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to conflict prevention, the discussion focused on resolving conflict situations, UN-AU coordination and capacity building, and recommendations on the way forward.

v. With the UN support, AU has developed the AU/UN Mediation Guidelines, to smooth the work of the Panel of the Wise. The Guidelines are in the process of being implemented and the official launching will be in January 2012.

vi. With the UN support the AU/UN teleconference on peace and security issues has been revived.

vii. The AU, with the support of the UN, has developed the Joint Work Plan between the PSC and UNOAU. The document is in the process of being finalized.

viii. On the conflict situation in Sudan, UN cooperation and synergy in support of the work of the AUHIP has been excellent.

ix. The UN-AU Joint Task Force on Peace and Security met on 19 September 2011 in New York to discuss developments and cooperation in Libya, Somalia and Sudan. It should be noted that the JTF met in Addis Ababa on the margins of the AU Summit to discuss similar issues in addition to Cote d’Ívoire.

x. The next DPA-AU desk to desk consultations, scheduled for 1-2 December 2011 in Zanzibar, will follow up on these discussions at the working-level. The meeting will also review the draft report of the Secretary-General on the Strategic Partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in peace and security to be submitted to the Security Council in December 2011; the AU Commission, for its part, is preparing a similar report on its relationship with the UN for submission to its Peace and Security Council, also by the end of this year.

Other areas of cooperation

The PSC Secretariat is in the process of compiling/publishing PSC Compendiums of PSC documents for 2008, 2009 and 2010, with the support of the UN. A Conference on Resource mobilization for the African migrant workers who fled Libya is in the process of being prepared in collaboration with UN Agencies and other humanitarian NGOs.

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In addition, and as part of the implementation of the Plan of Action adopted at the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on Employment and Poverty Alleviation (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, September 2004), and of the Decision taken by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 30-31 January 2011), the AUC, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), convened a Conference on Employment for Peace in the Horn of Africa, in Addis Ababa, on 11-12 April 2011 which, adopted a comprehensive Regional Strategy for Employment for Peace of the Horn of Africa.

Three immediate objectives where identified for the Strategy:

‐ To create employment opportunities through a better, participatory use of local resources, labour-intensive infrastructure development, green jobs, enterprise development and livelihood diversification;

‐ To reduce vulnerabilities and expand a social protection floor to the countries of the Region, in particular by building on existing, community-based practices of mutuality, reciprocity and solidarity;

‐ To improve governance and social dialogue, through strengthen and expanded social dialogue and a more vibrant civil society and social economy.

Following the Conference, IGAD and ILO developed a joint Programme Framework, outlining key common priorities for their work, alongside regional constituents and development partners. These include developing an IGAD level employment policy, combating human trafficking and piracy, addressing root causes of vulnerability to natural disasters, and promoting the actors of the social economy.

2.2 Sub cluster on Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD)

Since the 11th RCM meeting, no capacity-building activities were carried out under the Ten Year Capacity Building Programme by the PCRD Sub-cluster.

The AU Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) policy of July 2006 provides the overall policy framework for developing AU policy and guidance on DDR. The PCRD establishes that AU Member States emerging from conflict will address the

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gap between emergency and development, and that this includes the planning and implementation of DDR. With a focus on stabilization in these affected countries, the PCDR states that the AU will “plan and implement comprehensive and well-blended disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDRR) programmes, as a basis for consolidating safety and security”.

In 2006 – 2007 in collaboration with the UNDP, AU has been involved in a former child soldiers project in Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and the DRC. The AU is hoping to continue from where the ex-child soldiers program ended, and to conduct other specific DDR activities in a few selected countries. The AU future DDR activities with Member States are going to be based on the principle of national ownership. They will also follow United Nations principles on DDR as laid down in the UN Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS).

The PSD has determined to initiate a process leading to the adoption by the AU of a policy and a set of guidelines for DDR processes, as well as to enhance the adequate institutional DDR response capacity. The task to develop this program has been vested in the Defense and Security Department (DSD) of the PSD. In the framework of a partnership with the World Bank Transitional DDR Program, and the UN, and through the UNOAU facilitation, a one year DDR support project has to be launched by the end of 2011. It will draw its activities from the AU guidance and goals on DDR as provided in the draft APSA Road Map (to be adopted in November 2011). The APSA Road Map states that DDR must ‘Be integrated into the entire peace processes, from the initial peace negotiations through peacekeeping and follow-on peace building activities. It adds that DDR on the continent is currently being undertaken under the auspices of the UN, but there is increasing demand for a strengthened role of the AU’.

Specific Areas of Cooperation:

i. The partnership programme enabled UNDP to support AU efforts in areas such as the financial, technical and logistics support that enabled AU Commission to effectively carry out the implementation of its programme, including the training of PSD Staff;

ii. The programme supports payment of salaries to project staff (experts, political analysts,) as its contribution to building peace in the conflict areas of such the Sudan, the Great Lakes Region, Cote d’Ivoire, Comoros, etc. Some of these staff members were later deployed to various locations, including the AUC headquarters;

iii. UNDP contributed to the provision of funds for the installation of the Local Area Network (LAN) which improved the communication strategies and initiatives between the AUC, various Embassies and the Liaison Offices;

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iv. The AU-UNDP Project also made considerable funding in the installation and servicing of Video Conference facilities between the AUC HQ and Khartoum. An extension of Video Conference facility to Juba is currently in progress;

v. The UNDP / UNOPS also facilitated the implementation of training and rehabilitation of over 1000 former child soldiers in four countries of the Great Lakes Region, notably, Burundi, DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda. The project was funded by the Japans Government whilst monitoring and evaluation was executed by the UNDP;

vi. The printing of AU-PCRD Policy Document, pamphlets, and resource booklets on post-conflict reconstruction was funded and supported by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), with the cooperation of UNDP;

vii. The implementation of the AU quick impact projects in the countries emerging from conflict have been undertaken with the partnership of local UNDP office in Cote d’Ivoire, South Sudan, under the overall supervision of the AU Liaison Offices.

2.3 Conceptualization and Operationalization of the Sub cluster Emergency Preparedness and Response

Following the 11th RCM recommendations, the AU DPA, the concerned UN agencies and the RCM Secretariat embarked on the process of the conceptualization, development and operationalization of an Emergency Preparedness and Response Sub-Cluster within the Cluster on Peace and Security. In the meantime, the Sub-Cluster on APSA members continued to support AU advance a number of policy initiatives. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, the AU Assembly issued Declaration Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XIV) calling on the Chairperson to establish an African Humanitarian response mechanism to provide a rapid response in a coordinated , harmonized and efficient way to serious humanitarian situations, which could occur in Africa and other parts of the world…. In this vein, with the active support of OCHA amongst others in 2011, the AUC began work on the AU Humanitarian Policy Framework, including development of a Disaster Management component. A final policy document is expected to be endorsed by the policy-making organs of the AU in mid 2012. OCHA is also supporting the AU on several ongoing and new initiatives including on Protection of Civilians. Support to Permanent Representative Committee sub-Committee on internally displaced, refugees and returnees OCHA continued its support to the PRC Sub Committee assessment missions to various African countries affected by humanitarian crises, including to Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya and Somalia.

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Regional Consultations on the AU Convention for the Protection and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (The Kampala Convention) OCHA and other partners continued to support the AUC with efforts towards ensuring the speedy signature, ratification and implementation of the Outcomes of the 2009 AU Special Summit on Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons, including the Kampala Convention. Support included advocacy with member states, regional consultations in southern, eastern and West Africa regions as well as provision of dedicated capacity within the Commission to assist with the implementation of the Plan of Action for the implementation of the Outcomes of the Special Summit. Pledging Conference for response to the drought in the Horn of Africa The AU convened its first pledging conference 25 August 2011 to mobilize resources for response to the humanitarian emergency in the Horn of Africa. A total of US$350 million in cash and in kind was mobilised. OCHA supported the AUC with the organization of the Conference and is providing technical fund administration capacity to the Commission to redeem pledges and allocate mobilized resources. Revitalization of Coordination Mechanisms OCHA continues to collaborate with the AUC in the revitalization of the Coordinating Committee for Assistance to Refugees (CCAR) a statutory body established by the defunct Organization of African Unity to coordinate assistance to refugees arising from the wars of liberation. The revitalization process is aimed at realigning the structure to reflect the full spectrum of humanitarian challenges in Africa and to revamp membership to include the broad partnership in addressing these challenges. 2.4 Sub Cluster Human Rights, Justice and Reconciliation

While managing the process of realigning the Human Rights, Justice and Reconciliation Sub-Cluster within the Peace and Security and Governance Clusters so as to effectively promote the mainstreaming of human rights in peace and security as well as development issues, the Sub-cluster undertook the following actitivities:

Activities towards finalization and the validation of the human rights strategy for Africa

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The strategy development is in response to implementation of the African Union Strategic Plan, and UN Support to this process is part of the AU-UN Ten Year Capacity Building framework signed in 2006 between the UN SG and AUC Chairperson as well as a follow up to series of UN GA resolutions. The AUC takes ownership and leadership in its development and implementation. The Addis OHCHR Office took the lead in 2007 in Ethiopia and in Arusha meetings to discuss the Mapping Report. Since then, AUC/DPA assumed leadership in series of meetings to develop the framework and thematic areas, to discuss the first draft, to receive input from the AU Organs, to develop the technical and action level document, and to validate the document.

The UN role has been to provided input and support where requested. A significant contribution of the UN Agencies and institutions was the discussion on the draft strategy at the UNOAU office prior to the workshop held in Banjul, The Gambia. OHCHR, as a co-chair of the Sub-Cluster, convened a meeting of UN Inter-agencies based in Addis to gather input from UN members of the Governance cluster. Further, OHCHR briefed the UN SRSG and head of the UN Office to the AU based in Addis.

In Banjul, the AUC-DPA organized a validation workshop from 26-27 April 2011 and after deliberations, the meeting adopted the Strategy and commenced in earnest discussions on the Action Plan, which was also adopted subject to incorporation of suggestions, and amendments made by the participants and partners.

Further, OHCHR and other members of the Cluster took part in the consultative meeting convened by the AUC political Affairs Department on the actionable part of the strategy from 22 to 23rd February 2011 in Addis Ababa. The last touch was put into the document during the retreat organized by the DPA-AUC from 28-31 March 2011 in Nazareth and sponsored by the OHCHR-EARO. Key Members of Governance cluster and Members of Human Rights Sub-Cluster, including the OHCHR, took an active part in the retreat. The main objective of the retreat was to improve on the draft Human Rights Strategy for Africa. The OHCHR and the DPA-AUC took the opportunity of the retreat to identify areas of collaborations in implementing the strategy not only with the DPA but also with RECs and technical AU Organs with Human Rights mandate. In this regards the first consultation with AU organs, institutions and RECs took place from 3-4 October 2011 in Wolliso, Ethiopia.

Consultation between the OHCHR and UNDP in moving forward human rights agenda in Africa through the human rights sub-cluster

The promotion and the protection of human rights in Africa doesn’t stop with the designing of an African Human Rights Strategy, more important is the implementation of this strategy. It is in this respect that the two agencies agreed to assist African Union in moving forward human rights agenda in the continent through the implementation of the Human rights strategy for Africa. In this regard, the following action points were discussed and agreed upon:

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• Familiarize the technicians of the AUC/AU organs, institutions and RECs with the current HRSA;

• Support the technicians of the AUC/AU organs and institutions to include activities/actions/programs at sub regional and country levels related to the implementation of the HRSA;

• UNDP/OHCHR to provide expertise for improving the actionable part of the HRSA and to facilitate the workshop.

As Way forward it was agreed that:

• A concept note on the workshop should be prepared taking in to consideration concerns of many UN Agencies and shared with UNDP;

• A consultant/expert to be recruited to propose some wording on the actionable level of the strategy especially how it could impact on human rights work at the national level. Based on the TOR, the consultant should be able to review OHCHR's mapping exercise document and prepare a short document on the issues raised by some UN agencies;

• There should be an agreement on funding of the consultant and the workshop.

Other UN initiatives in support of the African Union

Though both OHCHR and UNICEF, has been providing technical support to the African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) at bilateral, the two agencies have decided to jointly do so in the future so as not to duplicate efforts made one another. It is in this regard that both agencies met in March 2011 to brainstorm on possible areas of collaboration to assist the ACRWC and its partners CSOs. The endeavor began with identification of various areas of collaboration and followed by a more concrete action.

Based on the identified areas of collaboration, both agencies moved on to a more concrete action in support of the ACRWC. Hence, on 31 May 2011, OHCHR-EARO and UNICEF jointly, and with the support of the SRSG- UNOAU, held a half day Campaign on the Universal Signature and Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC), the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (OPSC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).

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The objectives of the event which form part of the overall campaign for the signature and ratification of the OPAC, OPSC and the ACRWC are to: Promote ratifications of the OPAC, OPSC and the ACRWC within political, economic and cultural groupings to achieve continental and universal ratification in February 2012; Encourage all AU Member States to raise the age of voluntary recruitment to a minimum of 18 years; and, if necessary, to amend their binding declaration under article 3 of the OPAC; Raise awareness of AU Member States’ obligation to protect all children below the age of 18 from all forms of sexual exploitation, to criminalize all acts of sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and to ensure the rights of child victims and witnesses; and promote the adoption and effective implementation of relevant national legislation.

OHCHR-EARO and UNICEF undertook a number of courtesy calls to several Ambassadors to the AU and ECA, mainly the representations of countries that have not yet ratified the three instruments. The objective was to sensitize them on the importance to do so and get their view as to why it has not been done. These courtesy calls led to a better understanding of the reasons behind the non –signature and ratification of numerous instruments. They also help forge the commitment of most of the countries visited to take necessary steps to sign and ratify the three instruments.

In order to advance these objectives, the Sub-cluster to establish a core group composed of UNICEF, OHCHR, UNECA, UN Women, UNHCR, ILO, Save the Children and the AUC has been set up to prepare the plan of action and an implementation strategy until February 2012.

As follow-up actions to the Campaign held on May 31, 2011, the core group met to elaborate an action plan so as to keep the momentum gained during the campaign. Based on the work plan the following action points were identified for the remainder of the year 2011.

Human Rights Sub-cluster members took part in an initiative aiming at strengthening the protection cluster through the revitalization of the AU working group of the coordinating committee on assistance to refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons in Africa (CCAR). It should be noted that the CCAR was established in 1968 as an advisory and coordinating body to the then OAU Secretariat General now the African Union Commission and the sub-committee of the representatives of Members State on refugees, returnees and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa. The CCAR is also mandated to inter alia; advise the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and relevant African Union organs including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on matters that promote the better protection, assistance and the search for durable solutions for refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Africa, with particular focus on the special needs of vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities etc.

19

Initially, as regard its membership, the CCAR evolved from the OAU Commission of Ten to the Permanent Representatives Committee’s Sub-committee on refugees. As of January 2008, the adopted Rules of Procedure of the CCAR provides in its article II, that Membership shall be open inter alia, not only to Members State but also to international organizations and NGOs that are active in providing assistance and protection to refugees, returnees and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa.

It is against this background that, on behalf of the HR sub-Cluster members, the OHCHR took part in the meeting of the working group to discuss possible issues to be part of the agenda of the larger meeting of the Committee in October 2011. The OHCHR host a meeting during which the following issues were proposed to be part of the agenda of the October 2011 meeting:

Statelessness in African continent

The Working Group noted that 50 years after the adoption of the Convention on the reduction of statelessness, the ratification is very low;

Ratification, deposition, and domestication by Member States of the 1951 and 1969 Conventions;

Gaps in international & regional Humanitarian Instruments, it was noted for instance the issue of IDPs and/or refugees fleeing across international borders for climate-related or natural/manmade disasters

Issues of Protracted refugees and returnees.

Training Activities

In the area of training, the Cluster supported the delivery of the AUC flagship Senior Mission Leaders Course (SML), Regional SMLs, and provided training on planning for peace support operations, training on Human Right, Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination courses to AU and RECs. Disaster Assessment Coordination, lessons learned on border program in Africa, and training on conflict prevention among others.

Based on the request received from the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, (ACHPR), the sub-cluster conducted a training on Human Rights Fact -finding for the ACHPR in Banjul, The Gambia, from 18-22 July 2011. The overall objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of the ACHPR in particular the Secretariat, in human rights fact-finding skills, to enable it to conduct investigations on sexual and gender-based violence.

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IV. Lesson learned and the Way Forward

5.1 AU Leadership and ownership and the role of RECs

The RECs should be closely associated with the work of the Peace and Security Cluster since the main objective of the TYCBP is to enhance the capacities of both the AU and the RECs to act as effective UN partners in addressing the challenges to human security in Africa.

The AU should be encouraged to claim ownership of the whole process and to lead the effective implementation of the Programme.

5.2. UNOAU and the TYCB

The September 18, 2009 SG Report on Support to AU Peacekeeping Operations Authorized by the UN introduced a new dynamic in the AU-UN relations within the context of the 10-Year Capacity Building Program. The review of the TYCBP gives both the AU and the UN the opportunity to agree on the priorities for the next years. The planning matrix will provide a new course to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two Organizations in the area of peace and security. V. CHALLENGES

In 2010/11, efforts were focused on identifying all then ongoing peace and security activities at the AUC, with a view of aligning them with the TYCBP and the recommendation of the 11th RCM, more importantly within the framework of AU needs and strategic objectives. As a result, implementation of the 11th RCM were delayed. While UN support to the AU capacity building on bi-lateral basis was enhanced, it was not translated into joint programming or joint activities of the cluster. Staff rotation and human resources limitations at the AUC negatively impacted capacity building and retention. The Cluster needs additional clarity on the definition [comprehensive/pragmatic] of the concept and practice of capacity building in order to translate the Framework into programs.

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The Cluster faced difficulties in fully integrating the RECS/RMs into the program and the development of the Matrix. There is a need for closer cooperation UN-AU/RECs/RMs at every level of the transformation of the Framework into programs and the delivery and monitoring processes. The Sub-Cluster on the APSA of the AU has identified some major challenges related to the development and operationalization of the ASF. The existence of relevant disparities in ASF development at the sub-regional level, and the lack of structural, institutional, and financial capacity at both the AUC and RECs/RMs levels have been identified as major constraints. Furthermore, UN support to the AUC has faced major challenges due to the lack of coordination among the concerned stakeholders, especially the lack of capacity in the area of finance and CITS expertise. The establishment of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) could only address some issues concerning integration; coordination, representation. The UN approach to ensure delivery as one for an optimum support to the AU as far as peace and security faces still major challenges as well as the ownership from side of the AUC

Future Areas of Focus for the Peace and Security Cluster

In the area of capacity building for the AU (peace and Security Sector) training the following needs/challenges should be addressed:

Building a comprehensive African Union Manual on Sanctions;

Enhancing AU capability in the implementation of sanctions, especially in the situations of unconstitutional changes of government in Africa;

Enhancing AU capability in monitoring of the implementation of sanctions measures;

Building frameworks for joint AU-UN assessment missions and follow up activities including mobilization of African resources for PCR;

Enhancing the human resource base in the PCRD at AUC and RECs, as well as in the AU field missions;

Enhancing training and technical capacity of the AU for the SSR and DDR;

Enhancing AU capacity on conflict prevention and mediation.

Enhancing AU capacity in the popularization of AU instrument on humanitarian issues, including disaster management and intervention.

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DRAFT TYCPB WORK PROGRAM

Peace and Security Cluster

AUC 2009-2012 Strategic Plan Pillar 1: Peace and Security Programme

23

Thematic Areas/Clusters

Objectives (Refer to AU ICBP document)

Expected accomplishment

Performance Indicator Activities Responsibilities

Timeframe

Resource Requirement

Peace and security

Objective 1

Strengthening the Commission and enhancing AUC performance.

(Achievement of optimal use and application of the Unions resources with the highest impact)

A.

Legal and institutional framework Development

APSA strengthened through policy development for ASF, Panel of the Wise and CEWS

ASF Policy Documents (Doctrine, SOPs, Training manual, Logistic Concept, C2 and C3IS) have been developed.

AU/UN Mediation Guidelines has been developed and is in the process to be implemented. It will officially launched in January 2012.

Police Framework on SSR has been developed, waiting to be approve in the next AU Summit.

Support the AU PSD and PAD by providing daily technical advice to formulate, develop and operationalized APSA

Participate in the drafting and review of AU policy documents and guidelines

Participate in workshops, seminars, forums and meetings to formulate, develop and review policies

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM

UNHCR, UNOCHA AULO, UNICEF,

OHCHR,

UNDP

WFP

UN Women

2011 – 2012 and ongoing

24

AU-PCRD Policy Document is being implemented.

Panel of the Wise Secretariat fully operational

Various workshops and seminars have been organized or facilitated on ASF Operationalization, Mediation, DDR/SSR, CEWS and Conflict Prevention.

Provide technical input and mobilise popular support and understanding for the landmark decisions of the AU PSC on women, peace and security

Conceptualize and develop the work programme and provide technical support to the PoW Secretariat.

B.

Human Capital Development

Increased technical skills and experts knowledge of PAD and PSD resulting in more effective and timely delivery of work programs

ASF Training Manual developed and Annual Training Plans for ASF.

ToR of AU Manual on

Provide daily technical advice and mentoring for the planning, mounting, and management of peace support operations and other aspects of peace

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM



25

Sanctions has been developed and the consultant is in process to be recruited to develop the manual on sanctions which will build the capacity on sanctions implementation.

Planning Tools for PSO and Integrated mission planning have been developed.

AU Senior Mission Leadership Curriculum reviewed and improved.

Development of LRA draft Mission Plan and draft Mission Support Plan.

Development and ongoing reviews of AMISOM CONOPS

and security

Support the AU in the conduct of training needs assessments

Support the AU in the development of its training policies and implementation of related training activities

Facilitate training activities for AU

Support the PSD and WGDD to develop a corps of trainers ready to use the AU gender training manual

Provide technical assistance to WGDD and PSD to complete a database for CSOs with expertise in peace and security to act as a resource to AU country

OHCHR,

UNDP

WFP

UN Women

26

Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and ad hoc work sessions on the review of the concept of operations for ongoing AU missions have been done.

Twenty two (22) UNOAU planners supporting development of AU capacity building in the area of peace and security and short term operational needs.

Six meetings on SSR with UNPDKO/UNOAU since 2009 have been conducted.

Four workshops, two seminars and two trainings on mediation/conflict prevention

missions and CEWS.

C.

Organization Development

PSOD structures are

Facilitation of study of PSOD structures have been done

Consultative meetings and

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR


27

reviewed

Development of standard operational procedures (SOPs) for Peace keeping operations

AUC communication strategy is developed

and recommendations are being implemented.

Four Pillar Structures developed.

Standard Operational Procedures have been developed

Aide-Memoire on decision making on PSO developed

Local Area Network (LAN) has been installed which improved the communication strategies and initiatives between the AUC, various Embassies and the Liaison Offices.

Video Conference facilities between the AUC HQ and Khartoum has been installed and serviced, and an

technical advice on developing guidelines

Workshops on SOPs

Consultations, developing guidelines and training to effectively use the databases

Consultative meetings and workshops arranged

IOM


OHCHR,

UNDP,

WFP

UN Women

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AU webpage improved and regularly updated

extension of Video conference facility to Juba is currently in progress.

We have thirteen (16) publications printed and distributed which includes the Conclusions of the Darkar PSC Retreat, Conclusion of Livingstone PSC Retreat, Ezulwini Framework for the Enhancement of the Implementation of Measures of the AU, Declaration on the African union Border Programme and the Modalities for the Pursuit and Acceleration of its Implementation, Modalities for the Functioning of the Panel of the Wise, MoU between AU/RECs Cooperation in the Area of Peace and Security, Framework for the Operationalization of the Continental Early Warning System, PSD Newsletter, AU-PCRD Policy Document , pamphlets, and resource

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booklets on post-conflict reconstruction, PSD Master DVD, Banners and Make Peace Happen pin badges.

Percentage increase of number of subscribers to the AU webpage

Number of hits to the AU webpage (Advocacy and Communication Cluster)

Developed and populated database for EMBs, AU election observers, experts and EMBs is in effective usage. (Governance Cluster)

Long term election observation framework developed and implemented (Governance Cluster)

30

Aus Electoral Architecture is enhanced

31

A.

Legal and institutional framework Development

Programmes of the AUC and the AU are coherent and complementary

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM


OHCHR,

UNDP

WFP

UN Women


Peace and security

Objective 2

Promoting strong Synergies between AU organs

Provide framework for regular interaction and effective communicate.

B.


Capacity development for AU and PAP election observers.

Number of people trained representing both organs (Governance Cluster)

Support the DEAU in facilitating joint trainings

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM

UNHCR, UNOCHA


32

Support the AU DPA, WGDD is identifying and training election monitors on gender

Make available tools and good practices in gender sensitive election monitoring

AULO, UNICEF,

OHCHR,

UNDP

WFP

UN Women

C.


AU webpage promotes activities of all organs.

Information sharing between organs is institutionalized.

Number of reports on activities from different organs on the AU webpage (Advocacy and Communication Cluster)

Regularly feature articles on good practices in gender mainstreaming by PSD, DPA and WGDD in the joint WGDD-UN Women newsletter featured on AU website

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM


OHCHR,

UNDP

WFP

UN Women


33

Peace and security

Objective 3

Promoting effective working relations with RMs and RECs

Promoting effective working relations,

cooperation and collaboration to enhance policy coherence at all levels

A.

Legal and institutional frameworks

AU policies are implemented in timely manner by RMs and RECs..

System is set up to streamline flow of information from RECs to the CEWS streamlined

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the AU and the RECs has been developed and signed for effective working relations and peace and security areas.

AU-RECs-RMs APSA Roadmap (2011-2013) and Action Plan developed and approved.

Participation in joint workshops to ensure common policy approach on issues relating to the development of the APSA and on peace and security issues.

Joint AU-RECs-RMs meetings to develop Roadmap and Action Plan.

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM

UNHCR, UNOCHA AULO, OHCHR,

UNDP

WFP

UN Women

2011 - 2012 and ongoing

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AU documents and Charters are reinforced and ratified

Increased ratification of the African charter on Democracy Elections and Governance by Member States from 11 to 15 (Governance Cluster)

Consultative meetings to promote the charter supported

Advocacy activities by concerned AU departments and partners are supported

B.


Human Resource Planning and Development in civilian aspect of peace keeping is coordinated and unified.

ASF annual training plan between RECs and AU established

Support to the conceptualization and development of ASF Civilian capacity.

Six Senor Mission Leaders’ Course

Three Police Commanders’ Course including

Daily technical advice and support to develop guidelines

Workshops on ASF civilian capacity

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM


OHCHR,

UNDP


35

development of the syllabus

Mine Detection Training

Airport Security Training

Air Traffic Control Training

Quality Control Assessment on the Training

Consultative meetings to establish joint training plans

Annual workshops on implementation of ASF Annual Training Plans

WFP

UN Women

C.


Platform for dialog and effective communication functional

Coordinated action amongst AU Organs and Institutions, RECs

AU PSC interaction with the RECs in conflict situations where they are responsible or have interest for briefing and exchange of views.

AU PSC is Planning to have periodic AU PSC/RECs

Consultative meetings to establish joint common understanding of the current peace and security challenges on the Continent.

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM



36

and Member States to evaluate current peace and security challenges on the continent

Coordinated planning of the ASF between AU and RECs

Capacity building support to REGs, PRC and RMs promoted

consultative meetings for the year 2012

Annual meetings of the AU Ministers of Defence and Security, Chiefs of Staff and experts on ASF operationalization.

Annual ASF Training Plans jointly developed and implemented by AU/RECs

Support to preparation of annual meetings and implementation of decisions and recommendations.

Technical support to the implementation of training plans at AUC and RECs level

OHCHR,

UNDP, WFP

UN Women

Peace and Security

Objective 4

Establishing

A.

Legal and institutional frameworks

AUC

UNOAU


37

and maintaining strategic partnerships

(To support the achievement of the Unions objective by leveraging sustainable sources of funding and maximizing the comparative advantages of partners)

Establishment of structures to support the development and implementation of partnership in the area of peace and security.

Development of mechanism to support AU/UN partnership

Awareness created for the understanding of the doctrinal common approaches and differences between the UN and the AU for better coordination

Partners using AU systems and structures

Partnership structures have been established at AUC and UN.

Implementation of UNSG report on UN Support to AU Capacity Building and operational needs

A Draft Position Paper on AU-UN Strategic Cooperation on the area of peace and security has been developed, waiting to be approved by the AU PSC by December 2011.

Smother consensus reaching on issues of common interest.

An excellent cooperation and

High Level Regular interactions between AU and UN in Addis Ababa

Information sharing, advice, comparison of UN and AU policies

OCHCR

IOM


OHCHR,

UNDP, WFP

UN Women

38

synergy is support of the work of the AUHIP in Sudan is the best outcome of the use of the AU System by partners.

B.


Ensure development of effective working methods and coordination/communication mechanisms between AU and UN

Ensure ownership of the AU

PSD/UNOAU Work Plan has been developed and is in the process to be finalized.

One desk-to-desk meeting was held in June 2011, on AU/UN cooperation and the next desk-to-desk meeting will be held on December 2011 and it will include RECs. This meeting will make a total 6 meetings since the desk-to-desk meetings started.

Two Joint Task force Meetings have been held in 2011 with Commissioner for Peace and Security, UN-Under Secretary General, AU Political Affairs, peace

Convening regular meetings

Exchange of information and related actions to implement the recommendations of the Desk-to-Desk meeting

AUC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM


OHCHR,

UNDP, WFP

UN Women


39

Keeping Operations and Field Support on AU-UN Strategic Cooperation.

Objective is to increase frequency of the Joint Task Force meetings to include emerging issues and crises.

C.


Greater coordination and exchange of ideas between UN Security Council and AU Peace and Security Council established

Greater visibility for African positions on

.

Three Annual Consultative meetings held since 2009 (AU PSC/UNSC) though consultative meetings started in 2007.

Improvement of information

Facilitating AU – PSC and SC Consultative meetings

Joint Task Force and Desk-to-Desk meetings organized and outcomes disseminated

Support to effective communication strategy

UC

UNOAU

OCHCR

IOM


OHCHR,

UNDP,

WFP


40

international matters

exchange between AUC and UN secretariat, UNSC and AU PSC; Regional organizations and other members of the international community.

and advocacy. UN Women

41

Annex 2 Sub Cluster - Human Rights Planning matrix

N Objective Key Joint Activities

1.1 Side meetings with selected key Heads of State/Government or government officials during AU Heads of State and Government summits in June/July 2011 and January 2012.

1.2 Advocacy events around the World Day Against Child Labour

1.2.1 Advocacy events around the Day of the African Child.

1.3 Participate and create awareness during the Conference on the Importance of Ratification and Domestication of the Common/Shared Value OAU/AU Treaties.

1 Use all appropriate platforms as opportunities to sensitize, create awareness and lobby for the ratifications of the OPAC, OPSC and the ACRWC, as well as collaborate with parliamentarians, policymakers, national human rights organisations and other stakeholders, on the same.

1.4 Participate and create awareness during the 18th Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC).

2 Adopt inter-agency (UN-AU-RECs-CSOs) holistic approach to all instruments relating to children, and devise a strategy on sharing good practices and experiences so as to encourage ratifications and implementation.

Share good practices and experiences as well as legal and policy instruments connected to children, such as the OPAC, OPSC, ACRWC, CRC, the C 138 Minimum Age Convention of 1973, the International Labour Convention 182 Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention of 1999, Kampala Convention, the AU Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa and the AU African Human Rights Strategy.

3 Encourage CSOs to contribute to the advocacy, popularization and sensitization efforts on the universal ratifications of the OPSC, OPAC and the ACRWC, especially at the grassroots level.

Participate and make presentations during the 5th CSO Forum, on the need for closer CSO involvement and collaboration, as well as engage in e-discussions on the same.

42

4.1 Conduct capacity building training sessions for government officials on the implementation and domestication process.

4 Provide capacity enhancement support at the national level for the implementation and domestication of instruments, as well as apportionment of budgets for the implementation of the OPAC, OPSC and the ACRWC.

4.2 Hold advocacy and sensitization meetings at the national level to push for the domestication and development of national action plans.

5.1 Strengthen the capacity of the ACERWC to support AU Member States in the implementation and reporting on the ACRWC.

5.2 Organize sensitization sessions to encourage AU Member States to submit regular reports to the ACERWC, and further amend/modify reports already submitted to the UNCRC, and re-submit them to the ACERWC in keeping with the reporting requirements also to the ACERWC.

5 Strengthen the capacity of AU Member States to implement and report on the ACRWC, and enhance the capacity of the ACERWC to support AU Member States.

5.3 Foster closer synergy between the UNCRC and the ACERWC, especially in the area of reporting formats, reporting to both committees, cross-committee sharing of information, tools and concluding observations.

Based on this work plan, the core group came up with the following detailed plan of action

S/No

Objective Key Joint Activities Action Indicators Collaborating Agencies

Timeframe and Venue

43

1.1 Side meetings with selected key Heads of State/Government or government officials during AU Heads of State and Government summits in June/July 2011 and January 2012.

June/July AU Summit completed (see separate brief report)

To hold follow up advocacy meetings with at least 2 Ambassadors for possible advocacy with their Heads of State/Govt during the January 2012 Summit.

To send meeting request letters to embassies.

No. of Heads of State/Government or government officials met, No. of sensitisations done, No. of commitments obtained

UNICEF, OHCHR, UNECA, UN Women, UNHCR, ILO, Save the Children, AUC/DSA, ACERWC

Equatorial Guinea, 23 June–1 July 2011 and Addis Ababa, January/February 2012

1 Use all appropriate platforms as opportunities to sensitize, create awareness and lobby for the ratifications of the OPAC, OPSC and the ACRWC, as well as collaborate with parliamentarians, policymakers, national human rights organisations and other stakeholders, on the same.

1.2 Advocacy events around the World Day Against Child Labour

Activity completed (see separate brief report).

No. of government officials met, No. of sensitisations done.

ILO, UNICEF, OHCHR, UN Women, UNHCR, Save the Children, AUC/DSA, ACERWC

Globally, 12 June 2011

44

1.2.1 Advocacy events around the Day of the African Child.

Activity completed (see separate brief report).

No. of government officials met, No. of sensitisations done.

UNICEF, Save the Children, AUC/DSA, ACERWC, OHCHR, CSOs

Africa-wide, 16 June 2011

1.3 Participate and create awareness during the Conference on the Importance of Ratification and Domestication of the Common/Shared Value OAU/AU Treaties.

Core group Heads of Agencies to meet Head of Legal Counsel on proposed 20 July 2011 and request slot in programme to present a common statement and a presentation in another session.

UNICEF to request for meeting with Legal Counsel.

No. of participants reached, No. of commitments obtained to sign/ratify, No. of sensitisations done.

AU Commission on International Law, Legal Counsel/AUC, AUC/DSA, AUC/DPA, ACERWC, UNICEF, OHCHR, UN agencies under the Human Rights Sub-Cluster of the RCM.

Venue TBC, September 2011 (TBC)

45

1.4 Participate and create awareness during the 18th Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC).

Core group to attend and present a Statement at the opening session and a presentation in another separate slot.

UNICEF to present statement on behalf of core group.

UNICEF to request the ACERWC and DSA/AUC.

No. of participants reached, and sensitisation done, clear ACERWC recommendations endorsed.

AUC/DSA, ACERWC, UNICEF, OHCHR, CSOs

Addis Ababa, October/November 2011

46

2 Adopt inter-agency (UN-AU-RECs-CSOs) holistic approach to all instruments relating to children, and devise a strategy on sharing good practices and experiences so as to encourage ratifications and implementation.

Share good practices and experiences as well as legal and policy instruments connected to children, such as the OPAC, OPSC, ACRWC, CRC, the C 138 Minimum Age Convention of 1973, the International Labour Convention 182 Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention of 1999, Kampala Convention, the AU Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa and the AU African Human Rights Strategy.

Regular meetings with Ambassadors based in Addis Ababa to follow up on ratifications.

UNICEF to check whether there are good practices and experiences on CRC ratifications.

No. of legal instruments shared, No. of good practices and experiences shared, No of meetings held.

UN agencies, AUC/DSA, AUC/DPA, ACERWC, RECs, CSOs, UN agencies under the Human Rights Sub-Cluster of the RCM

December 2011

47

3 Encourage CSOs to contribute to the advocacy, popularization and sensitization efforts on the universal ratifications of the OPSC, OPAC and the ACRWC, especially at the grassroots level.

Participate and make presentations during the 5th CSO Forum, on the need for closer CSO involvement and collaboration, as well as engage in e-discussions on the same.

Core group to attend and present a Statement at the opening session and a presentation in another separate slot.

Save the Children to request CSO organisers.

No. of presentations made at the CSO Forum, No. of CSOs reached at the forum, No. of commitments to support the process, Duration and No. of participants at e-discussions, clear CSO Forum recommendations endorsed.

AUC/DSA, ACERWC, UNICEF, OHCHR, Save the Children, Africa Child Policy Forum, World Vision, Plan International, CSOs Forum Members

Addis Ababa, Oct/Nov 2011

4 Provide capacity enhancement support at the national level for the implementation and domestication of instruments, as well as

4.1 Conduct capacity building training sessions for government officials on the implementation and domestication process.

Each partner to coordinate with their respective national offices or networks.

No. of governments reached, No. of trainings held.

UNICEF, OHCHR, ILO, UNECA, UN Women, UNHCR, Save the Children, CSOs, ACERWC, AUC/DSA

Africa-wide

February 2012

48

4.2 Hold advocacy and sensitization meetings at the national level to push for the domestication and development of national action plans.

Each partner to coordinate with their respective national offices or networks.

No. of governments reached, No. of advocacy and sensitisation meetings held.

UNICEF, OHCHR, ILO, UNECA, UN Women, UNHCR, Save the Children, CSOs, AUC/DSA, ACERWC

Africa-wide

February 2012

5 Strengthen the capacity of AU Member States to implement and report on the ACRWC, and enhance the capacity of the ACERWC to

5.1 Strengthen the capacity of the ACERWC to support AU Member States in the implementation and reporting on the ACRWC.

To be coordinated jointly with Point 1.4 above.

No. of technical sessions held, No. of governments reached.

UNICEF, OHCHR, UNECA, UN Women, UNHCR, ILO, Save the Children, CSOs, ACERWC, AUC/DSA

February 2012

49

5.2 Organize sensitization sessions to encourage AU Member States to submit regular reports to the ACERWC, and further amend/modify reports already submitted to the UNCRC, and re-submit them to the ACERWC in keeping with the reporting requirements also to the ACERWC.


No. of technical sessions on reporting organised, No. of governments reached.

UNICEF, OHCHR, UNECA, UN Women, UNHCR, ILO, Save the Children, CSOs. AUC/DSA, ACERWC, UNCRC

February 2012

50

5.3 Foster closer synergy between the UNCRC and the ACERWC, especially in the area of reporting formats, reporting to both committees, cross-committee sharing of information, tools and concluding observations.


Follow up session is held between the UNCRC and the ACERWC.

UNICEF, OHCHR, Save the Children, CSOs, AUC/DSA, ACERWC, UNCRC

Geneva, September 2011 and Addis Ababa, October/November 2011