The President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, HE Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights for development, equality, and peace.
The President, speaking at the International Conference on Human Rights and Civil Society in Malabo, outlined the determined efforts made by the Government to promote and continually improve human rights in Equatorial Guinea. He underscored the importance of freedom of expression as one of the basic human rights and the foundation of any democratic society.
The President also proposed the creation of a parallel human rights institutions in every African country, through which international organizations would receive timely and accurate reports regarding conditions in each country.
The President praised the work of civil servants for their transparent and effective work executing programs that protect human rights.
Equatorial Guinea has made great strides over the years and significant progress on human rights, including the temporary amnesty against the death penalty, the plan of action to combat human trafficking, the implementation of the Children’s Parliament, the improvement of education for all Equatorial Guineans, and the complete abolition of child labor.
Equatorial Guinea has ratified numerous international conventions regarding human rights, and is active at the United Nations (UN) as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, where it strongly advocates for peace and security throughout the world. Equatorial Guinea at the UN has urged its fellow UN member states to prohibit the sale of arms to mercenaries and other organizations who are considered human rights violators.
Equatorial Guinea has also called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Syria through meaningful dialogue, mechanisms for peace in the Middle East including Yemen, and protection of vital infrastructures against terrorist attacks.