Even as democracy takes hold in many countries, West Africa’s post-independence history of military coups d’état and dictatorial regimes has left the sub-region with weak legal and judicial institutions. Although poor legal systems are increasingly cited as contributing factors in the region’s wars, the lack of an independent judiciary is seen in emerging democracies as well as nations emerging from conflict. OSIWA supports projects that strengthen the rule of law in countries across the sub-region. OSIWA commits considerable resources to projects in countries in transition from war to peace. In particular, OSIWA supports:

• Initiatives that address the legacy of human rights violations by investigating past abuses and bringing to justice perpetrators of violence;
• Projects aimed at forging reconciliation and sensitizing youth; and
• Efforts to restore the rule of law in countries emerging from conflict.

OSIWA supports organizations that defend and promote the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged communities by documenting violations and conducting civic education. OSIWA is particularly interested in the following human rights issues:

Women’s rights

In West Africa, there is an extremely low level of women’s participation in policymaking and the majority of women remain economically dependent. These conditions can leave women marginalized, and hamper peace processes and democratization, which benefit greatly from women’s input. OSIWA supports organizations that facilitate women’s participation in the political process and promote legal reform related to women’s economic rights and women’s participation in politics and government.

Women’s political and economic empowerment

In West Africa, there is an extremely low level of women’s participation in policymaking and the majority of women remain economically dependent. These conditions can leave women marginalized, and hamper peace processes and democratization, which benefit greatly from women’s input. OSIWA supports organizations that facilitate women’s participation in the political process and promote legal reform related to women’s economic rights and women’s participation in politics and government.