Formulating coherent strategies and action plans for the implementation
of recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) which is a
global review mechanism instituted by the Geneva-based United Nations
Human Rights Council. In fact, in 2009, the Government of Senegal
successfully went through the UPR which is currently the highest
barometer for country-level review of compliance with human rights
standards. As it is resolutely committed to enhancing the fulfillment of
rights and freedoms, Senegal voluntarily accepted 30 recommendations
mainly in the area of improving citizens’ economic, social and cultural
rights which are relegated to the background in many countries;
Popularizing and promoting human rights.
119. To successfully carry out these tasks, the Human Rights Directorate is
assisted by the National Human Rights Advisory Council, which is a State
organization comprising State actors and civil society organizations. The
aforementioned Council is responsible for bringing its expertise to bear on the
preparation of documents for Treaty and Convention regulatory bodies such as
the United Nations system and the African Union.
120. Established in 1970, the CSDH, which is the first national human rights
institution to be created in Francophone Africa, has been consolidated in terms
of its status. In fact, initially governed by Decree n°93-141 of 16 February 1993,
the status of the Committee was enhanced four years later by the promulgation
of Law n°97-04 of 10 March 1997. In line with its mandate as a national human
rights institution, the Committee is an independent and pluralistic body in its
composition and its core mandate is to:
Propagate human rights by way of sensitization ;
Draw the attention of public authorities to human rights abuses, and
where necessary, propose measures to put a stop to such abuses ;
Provide advisory opinion or recommendations on any human rightsrelated issue;
Present annual reports to the President of the Republic on the human
rights situation in Senegal.
121. The Mediator of the Republic, on other hand, is an independent
administrative authority instituted by Law n°91-14 of 11 February 1991, and
further amended by Law n°99-04 of 29 January 1999. In addition to its traditional
responsibilities stipulated in the 1991 law and reaffirmed under the new law, the
Mediator, to whom individuals generally refer cases, can intervene without
being seised as a precautionary measure ever since Law n°99-04 of 29 January
1999 was promulgated. The Mediator plays a cardinal intermediation role
between the Government and citizens who feel aggrieved in matters pertaining
to their rights and interests.
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