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Ugandan human rights lawyer and gender activist, Laura Nyirinkindi, has been chosen as a new member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) working group on discrimination against women and girls. The UNHRC, an organization committed to safeguarding human rights worldwide, announced her appointment via social media on October 13.
During the 54th regular session of the UNHRC held in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 11, Nyirinkindi, who has dedicated over 22 years to fighting violence against women in Africa, was appointed as a representative for African states.
In response to her selection, Nyirinkindi expressed her humility and responsibility in ensuring a better world for women and girls, emphasizing the need to make a positive impact during these challenging times.
Laura Nyirinkindi, aged 52, served as the chairperson of FIDA Uganda from 2010 to 2014 and currently holds the position of regional vice-president (Africa) for FIDA International (Eastern and Southern region). She holds a degree in law from Makerere University and a master’s degree in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford in the UK.
With her focus on governance, rule of law, human rights, and gender, Nyirinkindi has worked in over 31 countries since 2006 and is actively involved in international boards, including Root Change, an American non-governmental organization.
As a human rights lawyer, Nyirinkindi is dedicated to facilitating change management and organizational development processes for civil society organizations and government entities. She believes that true empowerment occurs when individuals within communities articulate and shape their own aspirations. Nyirinkindi is particularly passionate about promoting social justice for marginalized and disempowered communities, primarily in Africa.
She also actively supports human rights education in Africa and engages in creative pursuits, including producing musicals, writing poetry, and contributing to African fashion. Nyirinkindi currently serves as the senior managing consultant at Pro Initiatives Agency, a firm she established in 2003.
About UNHRC’s Working Group:
The UNHRC’s Working Group consists of five independent experts from diverse geographic regions who work collectively to address discrimination against women and girls worldwide. Their mission is to eliminate all forms of discrimination through a dedicated mandate.
The UNHRC emphasizes that women and girls continue to face significant disadvantages due to discriminatory laws and practices, with gender equality remaining unfulfilled in any country. The mandate was initially established in 2010, and in 2019, it was renamed the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls. Most recently, in June 2022, it was renewed through resolution 50/18.
Source:Ankole Times