On Friday 30 October, GI-ESCR's Senior Research and Legal Advisor, Sylvain Aubry, conbributed to a seminar organised by Solidar, FIC and SOLIDARITÉ LaÏque, on human rights in the Africa-European Union relationship. This seminar comes ahead of the next European Union – African Union Summit, that should take place in 2021 (the final date will depend on the health situation).

GI-ESCR shared its analysis about the limitations of the private sector solutions for public services that are being promoted in the the COVID-19 context. This analysis draws from GI-ESCR's analysis and blog series in response to COVID-19, in particular in education.

The current context has shown, more than ever, the importance of strong, rights-aligned, public services, as was dicussed last week during the seminar seminar with 8 current and former UN Special Rapporteurs. Research shows that the human rights framework requires States to provide quality public services, in areas like education, health, and water. Strenghtening of public services should be at the core of the dialogue between the European Union and the African Union.

These seminars will contribute to a joint declaration prepared by SOLIDAR members.