UNOWAS Links Water Access to Peace in Dakar

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, UNOWAS, backed civil society groups at a Dakar forum held from October 8 to 10 ahead of the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The forum focused on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems under Agenda 2063. Deputy Special Representative Barrie Freeman linked equitable water management with conflict prevention. She also addressed pressures facing human rights defenders and civil society organizations.

Water And Conflict Prevention

Organized by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, the forum examined water and sanitation alongside human rights, democratic governance, sustainable development and climate resilience. Freeman said pressure on resources can fuel tensions between communities in some contexts.

Support For Civic Space

UNOWAS highlighted the role of NGOs in protecting human rights, monitoring public policies and holding institutions accountable. The office also pointed to legal restrictions, shrinking resources, stigmatization, digital surveillance and repression facing civil society.

Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel at UNOWAS, said:

“For the United Nations, the protection of civic space and the effective participation of civil society are essential for conflict prevention,”

Dialogue And Lasting Peace

Freeman welcomed Senegal’s Ministry of Justice initiative to establish an annual day of dialogue with civil society, with its first edition scheduled for October 21, 2026. UNOWAS also announced a future Arbre-à-Palabres session on the preventive action of transitional justice processes.

Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel at UNOWAS, said:

“Together, let us make the protection of civic space a pillar of prevention, democracy and lasting peace in Africa.”