UNOWAS
United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel
DSRSG Freeman at the NGO Forum in Dakar
  • News

Civic Space, Water and Peace: Deputy Special Representative Freeman Reaffirms UNOWAS Support for Civil Society at the Dakar NGO Forum

At the opening of the NGO Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Ms. Barrie Freeman, delivered a message of support to human rights defenders gathered in Dakar from 8 to 10 October. Organized by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, the Forum was held under the theme "Ensuring…

Our Mission

UNOWAS exercises its good offices to advance preventive diplomacy, sustain peace, and support inclusive political processes across the region, working with regional actors to address peace and security challenges.

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) promotes political dialogue, mediation, and conflict prevention across the region, working closely with national authorities, regional organizations—including ECOWAS and the African Union—and civil society. It also supports coordinated responses to cross-border challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, climate-related security risks, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, and governance and electoral tensions. Through its good offices, UNOWAS fosters long-term stability and contributes to building resilient, inclusive societies across West Africa and the Sahel.

Press Releases

Latest Photos

Discover more

United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) exercises its good offices to advance preventive diplomacy, sustain peace, and support inclusive political processes across the region, working with regional actors to address peace and security challenges.