The two-week session is being held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center in Bijilo.
At the event, Chairperson Lumbu outlined the urgent need for political leaders and stakeholders to uphold the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and related instruments.
He expressed concern over the slow pace in criminalizing the widely cultural practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), urging authorities to enact strong laws to protect women’s rights.
To this end, Lumbu condemned the increasing instances of unconstitutional government changes, internal conflicts, and constitutional reviews driven by personal interests.
He also criticized the rise in internet outages and media closures during political transitions, saying these actions undermine freedom of expression and access to information.
The session underscored the ACHPR’s commitment to addressing these pressing challenges and promoting human rights across Africa.
Referencing ACHPR Resolution 627, he declared that now is the time to end these massacres, which he said, have plagued the region for over 30 years.
“We must secure the Great Lakes region to prevent another genocide.”
The ACHPR chairperson also spoke about the tragic loss of migrants in the Mediterranean and along African coastlines, calling on nations to adopt development strategies that improve living conditions and reduce the need for perilous migration.
Chairperson Lumbu voiced deep concern over pervasive sexual violence, systemic discrimination against women, and their underrepresentation in leadership roles.
“Freedom of expression and association remain under threat in countries like Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Mali, where human rights defenders, journalists, and media professionals face relentless harassment.”
Commenting on issues relating to reparation, he maintained that the latter are not just historical acknowledgment, but a fundamental right for those impacted by slavery, colonization, and systemic discrimination.
“Millions of Africa’s descendants live with the haunting memories of these injustices, which affect them economically, socially, and culturally. Addressing these wrongs is essential for sustainable development.”
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, who deputized for the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, underscored the centrality of human rights in governance.
He expressed government’s resolve to promoting human rights in the country and beyond. “We have victims of human rights violations from the former regime and the government is ensuring that this doesn’t repeat itself and victims are compensated accordingly.”
The session is being attended attend by different human rights champion from across the continent.
