SADC, UN Human Rights Office Join Forces to Advance Regional Development
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have opened discussions to strengthen cooperation on human rights and regional development.
Ms Abigail Noko, Regional Representative for Southern Africa at OHCHR, paid a courtesy visit to the SADC Secretariat on 15 October 2025. She was received by Mr Mike Masiye, Director for the Directorate of Policy, Planning and Resource Mobilisation, on behalf of SADC Executive Secretary His Excellency Mr Elias M. Magosi.
During the meeting, Director Masiye emphasised that the social and human development agenda of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 is firmly anchored in human rights. “All corresponding programmes on health and education aim to ensure equal access for the regional citizenry,” he noted.
The RISDP seeks to deepen regional integration and advance development across Southern Africa, in line with the SADC Vision 2050 of creating a peaceful, inclusive, and industrialised region where citizens enjoy sustainable economic well-being, justice, and freedom.
Ms Noko expressed OHCHR’s interest in promoting collaboration with SADC, particularly through capacity building and technical assistance to support the ratification and implementation of key legal instruments. Both parties agreed to hold follow-up discussions to identify concrete areas of cooperation.
The discussions also covered mutual interests and strategies to enhance human rights and regional integration, recognising that prevailing global challenges require strong strategic partnerships.
Director Masiye was accompanied by Dr Maxwell Parakokwa, Senior Programme Officer for Employment, Labour and Youth, and Mr Thokozani S. Mlotsa, Resource Mobilisation Officer, both from the SADC Secretariat.
