81st Ordinary Session of ACHPR commences in Banjul

The high-level convergence brings together representatives from member states, civil society organisations, and human rights advocates. 

This year’s session focuses on the themes; “Education and the protection of human rights defenders across the continent.”

Officials said during the course of the two-week session, participants will engage in discussions on various reports, including those concerning the human rights situation in conflict zones among others. 

The sessions, they further added, aims to strengthen commitments to uphold the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, reinforcing the continent's dedication to promoting human dignity, justice, and equality for all.

In his opening remarks, ACHPR Chairperson, Commissioner Sidi Remy Ngoy Lunbu, emphasised the urgent need for collaboration in addressing the myriad human rights challenges facing African nations, particularly in the wake of climate change and political unrest. 

Climate change and political unrest, she said, “have been a menace across African countries. These sessions and other sides will bring about recommendations that can enhance the implementation of solutions to address issues.” 

Patience Chiradza, who spoke on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Commission Moussa Fakki Mohamat, stated that collaborative efforts are needed from African countries to ensure that human rights violations are completely eradicated.

“The decisions of human rights defenders remain hazardous and unstable according to the challenges faced by women human rights defenders.”

“We want to request that the African Commission consider updating the 2015 situation of human rights defenders report with a wider sample of stakeholders which will offer the opportunity to effectively portray the current situation while providing recommendations and a road-map for future interventions,” she emphasised.

For his part, the Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, emphasised the country’s efforts in championing human rights. 

“The recent 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights highlights global commitments to human rights, which has significantly shaped international and regional human rights laws, including the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.”

Promoting inclusive development and protecting civil liberties, Minister Jallow said, can reduce social tension and foster stability across the continent. 

He further added: “It is not all gloomy, as we also acknowledge the progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights across the continent. There has been substantial progress or increase in the number of active, independent international human rights commissions.”