AU summit to discuss rights of women

African Union (AU) member states are planning to put emphasis on the rights of women at the 26th African Union Summit due to take place from January 21 to 31, 2016.

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The meeting will take place at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to communication issued by acting director of information and communication of the African Union Commission, Esther Azaa Tankou.        

The theme of the upcoming summit is: "2016: African Year of Human Rights with particular focus on the Rights of Women."              

The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa requires states parties to combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures.

It requires them to include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments - if not already done - the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application.

The states parties are further required to enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly the harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women.

"All forms of exploitation, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment shall be prohibited," the protocol says.

During the AU summit, different AU organs and decision-making bodies will hold meetings.

They include the Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), Retreat of the Executive Council, Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

The AU metamorphosed out of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

The vision for the Union was to build on the OAU's work by establishing a body that could accelerate the process of integration in Africa, support the empowerment of African states in the global economy and address the multifaceted social, economic and political problems facing the continent.

Uganda is a member of the AU.