The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) inaugurated a three-day NGO Forum in Banjul on Monday. The gathering convenes civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and activists from across Africa. Participants are engaging in discussions aimed at preparing for the upcoming session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR). The forum facilitates collaborative advocacy efforts among diverse African stakeholders, bringing together a wide array of expertise and perspectives from across the continent. This collaborative environment is designed to foster a unified approach to human rights advocacy and monitoring.
Forum's Key Objectives
The current gathering aligns its focus with the 2026 theme concerning sustainable water, sanitation, and Agenda 2063. This strategic alignment shows the forum's commitment to addressing long-term developmental and human rights challenges in Africa. Discussions at the forum will address critical issues, including civic space, environmental justice, migration, regional security, and democracy. These deliberations are intended to strengthen cooperation among African civil society groups, specifically in their efforts to monitor democracy and governance across the continent. By focusing on these interconnected themes, the forum aims to develop full strategies that can be presented effectively to the African Commission. The emphasis on civic space, for instance, notes the importance of an open environment for civil society to operate and contribute to democratic processes and human rights protection.
Broader Human Rights Agenda
The forum is being conducted in advance of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), serving as a key preparatory platform for civil society engagement with the Commission. Discussions at the gathering have also examined the ways in which water insecurity is connected to poverty, gender inequality, and public health challenges throughout the continent. This multi-sectoral approach recognizes that human rights issues are often intertwined with broader socio-economic and environmental factors. Participants have explored the multi-faceted impact of water scarcity on various human rights, seeking to formulate integrated advocacy strategies for the upcoming ACHPR session. These strategies aim to highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions to water and sanitation issues, recognizing their fundamental role in upholding human dignity and well-being. The forum’s focus on these interconnected challenges is vital for developing holistic and effective human rights interventions.
Attendees considered the importance of full approaches to justice within the African context. Professor Mohamed Mabassa Fall stated, "A reparative justice system is essential to address transitional justice, building on the progress of previous years." This perspective emphasizes the continuity of efforts to address past human rights violations and the need for mechanisms that not only acknowledge suffering but also actively work towards restoring affected communities. The forum's deliberations on reparative justice aim to strengthen advocacy for accountability and reconciliation across Africa. Such discussions are critical for fostering durable peace and stability, ensuring that justice is not merely punitive but also restorative and transformative. The emphasis on building on past progress reflects a long-term commitment to human rights and justice on the continent.
Expert Perspectives and Calls to Action
The forum serves as a key preparatory platform for the upcoming session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR). Participants are coordinating advocacy strategies and developing joint submissions for presentation during the Commission's proceedings. This collaborative preparation ensures that civil society voices are amplified and effectively represented at the highest levels of regional human rights mechanisms. The public session of the ACHPR is scheduled to commence on May 11, following the conclusion of the NGO Forum. This timing allows for immediate follow-up and presentation of the consolidated positions and recommendations developed during the forum.
Discussions at the forum have predominantly centered on ensuring sustainable water availability and establishing safe sanitation systems across the continent. These efforts are viewed as integral to achieving the broader developmental goals outlined in Agenda 2063, the African Union's strategic framework for socio-economic transformation. The focus on water and sanitation reflects a recognition of their foundational role in human rights and public health. The preparatory meetings allow civil society to consolidate their positions and present a unified front to the ACHPR on these critical issues. By addressing these fundamental needs, the forum aims to contribute significantly to the overall improvement of human rights conditions and the realization of a prosperous and peaceful Africa as envisioned by Agenda 2063. The insights and recommendations generated are expected to inform the work of the ACHPR and influence policy-making across member states.
