UN, African Union Ink New Human Rights Agreement

The United Nations and the African Union (AU) strengthened their partnership during Tuesday's seventh high-level dialogue in New York. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat inked a framework agreement on human rights, building on previous accords on peace and security, and development. 

They also discussed the need to reform the global financial architecture to reflect current realities.

Mr. Guterres highlighted the importance of justice in international relations for Africa, which has been a victim of structural injustices in the past. Meanwhile, Mr. Faki emphasized the critical need for financing development and peace while reforming global financial institutions.

According to the UN, Africa is currently facing economic challenges due to the "triple crisis" of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the consequences of the war in Ukraine, which has impacted the global food supply. Additionally, it is going through a difficult period with terrorism and extremism affecting several regions and some AU peacekeeping operations drawing down.