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.
Of Interest
“The Global Gag Rule’s Impact on Africa” – This presentation was prepared and presented by Jodi-Kay Williams and Nikita Dehal (both members of the African Affairs Committee) to the African Affairs Committee (November 7, 2017)
Event Summary: National Mechanisms for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention: Coordinated National Strategies for Confronting Genocide (February 3, 2016)
“Human Rights and Democracy Trends in Africa” – Remarks by Steven Feldstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, U.S. Department of State, at the City Bar (December 7, 2015)
The Trial of Hisène Habré (PDF)
Event Summary: CONFLICT MINERALS and HUMAN RIGHTS: The Dodd-Frank Act’s Reforms and Reporting Requirements (June 16, 2015)
Event Summary: Child Soldiers: Prevention and Protection (April 8, 2015)
Digest on International Criminal Court Investigations in Africa (January 21, 2015) (PDF)
Event Summary: Preventing Genocide and Mass Atrocities: International Law and the Responsibility to Protect (January 13, 2015)
The Tragedy of South Sudan – The Way Forward, presentation by Dr. Amir Idris, Chair of the Department of African and African American Studies and Professor of African History and Politics at Fordham University. (November 5, 2014) (PDF)
Statement by Mr. Maged Abdelaziz Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa before The New York City Bar Association Committee on African Affairs (October 8, 2014)
Association Hosts Judge Vagn Joensen, President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (June 12, 2013)
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)
