Through its Strategic Plan (2024-2028), the Forum spotlights the implementation of both civil and political rights, and socio-economic human rights which are interdependent and interconnected with one another. The right to health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, has been severely under threat in the last years. Access to essential medicines is still a far reality in remote locations or is simply unaffordable. The appreciation of foreign currencies has also caused the price of imported medicines to escalate, hitting drastically the consumer market in Southern Africa.   The Forum advocates for Governments to promote price stability on SRHR commodities and to ensure that essential medicines are available and accessible to all, without discrimination, especially key populations which are often left behind.

The Forum will continue to build the capacity of Parliamentarians to champion human rights implemented in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the SADC Model Laws as well as generally accepted human rights treaties ratified by SADC nations.

Yours sincerely,

HE B.Sekgoma (Ms), Secretary General

STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SADC-PF ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2024