The 87th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) will be held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 11 to 20 May. The session will be preceded by the NGO Forum, also in Banjul, from 7 to 9 May.
The Forum on the Participation of NGOs provides an opportunity for NGOs to share updates on the human rights situation on the continent. The themes that will be covered at this Forum are derived from the African Union’s (AU) theme of the year: 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063'.
The Forum will cover three main thematic areas:
- Status of human rights and democracy in Africa: Updates from sub-regional focal points on the general situation.
- Special interest group discussions, which will allow participants to identify recommendations to address challenges raised in panel discussions.
- Networking for human rights in Africa: Sharing experiences, best practices and lessons learnt towards durable solutions for forced displacement in Africa.
Under these themes, the Forum will deliberate on the following sub-themes:
- Water, sanitation, and the right to development
- Civic space, governance, and democratic integrity
- Natural resources, environmental justice, and climate-induced migration
- Peace, security, and human rights
- Social inclusion: Gender, youth, and cultural rights.
The 87th ordinary session of the ACHPR
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is Africa's primary regional human rights body. Established by the African Union (AU) under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the Commission plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights in Africa. It holds two Ordinary Sessions annually where States' compliance with the African Charter is reviewed.
During these sessions, civil society organisations (like CIVICUS) actively engage, providing vital input to ensure that human rights issues are addressed, and that States are held accountable for their commitments to protecting human rights.
The 87th session will be conducted in two segments: Private session, virtual and closed to the public: from 24 April to 4 May and Public session, in-person and open to the public: from 11 to 24 May. All public session documents for the 87th Ordinary Session are available here. Live streams of the public sessions will be available on the ACHPR’s YouTube page.
What advocacy opportunities does the African Commission offer?
Human rights situation in Africa - Under this item, civil society organisations with observer status can make a statement highlighting specific issues relating to human rights enshrined in the African Charter. This opportunity can be used to call the attention of the Commission to specific issues or even update commissioners on an issue brought to their attention previously.
Consideration of State reports:
Under article 62 of the African Charter, States are required to submit a report every two years on the legislative and other measures taken with a view to giving effect to the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed by the Charter.
During the examination process, civil society organisations can submit reports ahead of the session during which countries will be reviewed to inform the Commission’s recommendations and provide States with guidance on how they can better implement their obligations.
Civil society organisations thus have the opportunity to constructively engage with the Commission and States on the realisation of human rights across the continent. During this session, pursuant to Article 62 of the African Charter, the following countries will be reviewed: Republic of Mauritius, Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Republic of Kenya. For the full programme of the session, click here.
Country and Special Rapporteurs mandates
The mandate of each Commissioner covers 5 countries in Africa. During the session, civil society organisations have the opportunity to meet with the Commissioners whose mandates cover their countries of interest. It is important to seize this moment to update the relevant mandate holder on the issues specific to your country of interest and more specifically call their attention to an issue you want them to raise with State representatives directly or during the session.
Though it is recommended that civil society share information with Special Rapporteurs throughout the year, at each session, organisations can make statements highlighting important issues of interest during the presentations of activity reports by each Commissioner, including Special Rapporteurs.
CIVICUS Participation at the 87th ACHPR Session
During the 87th ACHPR session, CIVICUS will deliver two statements on the human rights situation in Africa. This session comes at a critical moment, as human rights — particularly civic space — are at a crossroads. Across much of the continent, civic space continues to shrink, and the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) is increasingly under threat.
CIVICUS will also support two partners from Kenya and Mali, who will lead advocacy efforts on key national issues. This includes a side event on Kenya’s country report, which will be reviewed during the session. In collaboration with Vuka allies in attendance, CIVICUS will engage with Commissioners and Special Rapporteurs to raise priority concerns related to civic space and human rights across Africa.
Join Us in Defending Human Rights
At CIVICUS, we are committed to defending the fundamental rights of individuals and communities across Africa. Our engagement at the 87th ACHPR session forms part of our broader efforts to strengthen accountability, while supporting human rights actors — from grassroots movements to national organisations — to meaningfully engage with this mechanism.
Join the conversation: Stay connected with us throughout the session for live updates, key highlights, and opportunities for action.
Side Events at ACHPR
At this session, CIVICUS will host two side events:
1. Safeguarding Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
Positioning Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Land at the Centre of Business Investments in Kenya
In collaboration with partners from Kenya, this side event will highlight the challenges faced by grassroots communities, particularly in relation to participation and land rights.
2. Highlighting the PPUA Report
Africa findings from PPUA 2025
This session will present key findings on major civic space violations across the continent, including regional trends. National research partners will contribute insights from their respective sub-regions.
