What: The African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights will convene its 73rd Ordinary Session. 2022 also marks the 35th commemoration since the Commission, an organ of the African Union, was established.

When: The Session will be open for media coverage and interactions as follows;

- 21 – 30 October, 2022 (Public Session) at 09:00 a.m. (GMT) / 12:00 p.m. (EAT) 11:00 a.m. (CAT) [Physical /in-person] and will also be livestreamed on AU Platforms.

- 9 November 2022 (Public Session) from 9:00 am (GMT) /12:00 p.m. (EAT) 11:00 a.m (CAT) [Hybrid].

Journalists who wish to participate in the Closing Session on 9 November 2022 should submit questions in advance using the following link:

https://Zoom.Us/Webinar/Register/WN_V34xFT5lRFarNMfb1fuc5g

Kindly indicate their full name and the name of their media organization.

Where: International Conference Centre, Kerr Serign, Banjul, The Gambia

Who: The Sessions will be addressed by among others, Heads of State and Government; the African Union Commission; African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child; African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights; European Union representative; United Nations Representatives; NGOs and Network of African National Human Rights Institution.

Background information.

1. The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) is the premier human rights body of the African Union, established under Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter), the founding treaty of the African Human Rights system, for the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa.
2. The ACHPR is an autonomous treaty body of the African Union, and is composed of eleven (11) Commissioners pursuant to Article 31 of the African Charter, who are elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. The Commissioners sit in their personal capacity and in an independent and impartial manner.

3. The mandate of the ACHPR is defined in Article 45 of the African Charter and includes: the promotion and protection of human and peoples' rights on the continent; the interpretation of any provision of the African Charter, at the request of a State Party, an OAU institution or an African Organization recognized by the African Union; and the formulation of principles and rules on fundamental freedoms on which African governments can base their legislation.
4. The ACHPR meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions. Since its inception, the ACHPR has held seventy-two (72) Ordinary Sessions and thirty-five (35) Extraordinary Sessions.
5. During the Public Session of the 73rd Ordinary Session, to be held from 21 to 30 October, 2022., a newly elected Commissioner- Hon Commissioner Litha Musyimi-Ogana, will take her oath of office; the Commission be commemorating its 35th Anniversary. It will deliberate on trending human rights issues especially matters arising from statements from various stakeholders on the human rights situation in Africa, its relationship and cooperation with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and Specialized Institutions, as well as with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), granted Observer Status.
6. The Commission will also hold Panel discussions on various human rights issues including the AU Theme of the Year: Year of Nutrition, Strengthening resilience in nutrition and food security on the African Continent; State Reporting Obligations and Guidelines on Reporting under the Maputo Protocol; the Next Decade of the Addis Ababa Road Map; the General Comments on Regulating Private Actors in the Provision of Social Services; the 10th Anniversary of the Kampala Convention; Guidelines on the Protection of all persons against enforced disappearances; Freedom of Expression and Access to Information; Stakeholders’ consultation in relation to the draft Guidelines on Adhering to Human and Peoples’ Rights Standards under the African Charter when declaring States of Emergency and Disaster (ACHPR Resolution 447); the Study on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Exile; Inaugural regional Forum on the State of Extractive Industries, Human Rights and the Environment in Africa; The Abidjan SOPs on Torture and CPTA Newsletter; Women Prison Conditions; Human Rights and Excessive Use of Force; the Ratification of the Protocols on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa; and Migration.
7. In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, which requires States Parties to submit Periodic Reports to the ACHPR every two years, the Commission will examine (2) State Reports namely: Reports of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire; and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, presented by their Delegations. Also, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) will be present to review the Country Reports of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire.
8. Thereafter, the ACHPR will retreat into Private Sittings where it will deliberate on and take decisions on various reports, and on registered complaints of human rights violations [Communications].

Learn more about the ACHPR, visit www.achpr.org

For more information, contact;

For comments.

Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, Ag. Secretary to the Commission
Tel: +220 4410 505 / 506 ; E-mail: Achpr.stcincoming@africa-union.org

For documentation and materials, please contact:

Mr. Elliot Nsega, E-mail: NsegaE@africa-union.org | au-banjul@africa-union.org

For media follow up, please contact: 

Mr. Etwell Karikoga, E-mail: Karikogae@africa-union.org