In his closing address, Minister Jallow said the session had been marked by “honest reflection and dynamic exchange”, adding that the deliberations demonstrated the continent’s enduring dedication to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all its peoples.
He highlighted that discussions during the session tackled key challenges such as shrinking civic space, suppression of human rights defenders, and the need for inclusive social and economic development. Special attention, he said, was also given to justice for women and girls, protection of refugees, and ensuring that vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, are not left behind.
“The Commission’s panels and side events reaffirmed that respect for human rights is inseparable from good governance, social cohesion, and peace,” Minister Jallow stated, emphasising the need for strong legal frameworks, effective accountability mechanisms, and the protection of civil and political liberties as the foundation of resilient societies.
He further noted that deliberations on migration, digital rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, and freedom of expression had strengthened the resolve of member states to confront emerging challenges together as a united continent.
One of the major highlights of the session, he said, was the theme of reparations, which underscores Africa’s growing call for truth, justice, and healing. “Reparations are not only about material compensation but a solemn promise to remember, to reform, and to restore dignity,” Jallow said. “It is our collective duty to confront the legacies of injustice with courage and ensure no victim is forgotten.”
Minister Jallow also paid tribute to the Commission’s outgoing Chairperson, Hon. Professor Remy Ngoy Lumbu, and Hon. Janet Ramatoulie Sallah Njie for their exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing human rights in Africa. He extended warm congratulations to the incoming leadership, Hon. Idrissa Sow and Hon. Hatem Essaiem, and pledged The Gambia’s continued support to the Commission in fulfilling its mandate.
He expressed gratitude to the Secretariat, support staff, interpreters, and protocol teams for their hard work in ensuring the success of the session, as well as to civil society organisations, national human rights institutions, and international partners for their consistent engagement and advocacy.
“As we depart from Banjul, let us remember that the real impact of this session depends on what we each do next,” the Minister urged. “Our journey toward a just and equitable Africa must continue with renewed dedication to cooperation between states, institutions, and communities guided always by the values of the African Charter.”
He concluded by calling on participants to translate the resolutions and commitments made during the session into meaningful action that will safeguard rights, strengthen justice systems, and secure a future of peace and dignity for all Africans.
With that, Minister Jallow formally declared the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights closed.
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