African Affairs Committee
The African Affairs Committee is committed to strengthening the rule of law and promoting social and economic development in Africa. The Committee closely follows legal, political, economic and social developments in Africa. The primary focus of the Committee is to investigate, understand and report on legal and policy developments on the Continent. In so doing, the Committee regularly sponsors Africa-related speakers and events, many of which are open to the public. Similarly, subcommittees investigate and report on specific issues (such as African business development, gender issues and the administration of justice) to judicial or legal organizations, government officials and other relevant decision-makers.
The Committee aspires to build lasting relationships with African leaders and institutions. Meetings with preeminent African jurists, government officials, and other key persons are frequently conducted. These meetings give the Committee insight into current events from an African perspective. The Committee also aims to foster meaningful connections with other individuals and organizations with an interest in Africa, and regularly meets with US-based professional, governmental and advocacy groups.
Recent Reports
Letter to the President of the Republic of Rwanda expressing concern over reports that the Rwandan Government is recruiting children under the age of 18 to support troops of the M23 rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 2013)
( PDF )
Subject area: Child Soldiers
Letter to the President of Kenya urging the Government of Kenya to support an independent and impartial judiciary in the Republic of Kenya (March 2013) ( PDF )
Subject area: Kenya
Letter to the President of Uganda expressing opposition to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2012 (December 2012) ( PDF )
Subject area: Uganda
For the full list of committee reports click here
Of Interest
Event Summary: Protecting the Rights of People with Mental Disabilities in Africa (February 6, 2013)
Event Summary: Association Hosts Stephen J. Rapp, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large, Office of Global Criminal Justice (December 3, 2012)
Association Hosts Judge Vagn Joensen, President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (June 4, 2012)
Summary of Program on the Global Child Soldiers Crisis (May, 2012) (PDF)
New York City Bar Association Hosts Public Forum on LGBT Rights in Africa (April 2012) (Blog)
Chair