MEDIA ADVISORY

75^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Convened in terms of Article 64 (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, read together with Rules 27 and 28 of the Rules of Procedure of the ACHPR, 2020

Invitation for Media Representatives 

WHAT:            75^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’   Rights (ACHPR)

WHEN:            Opening Ceremony (Hybrid): Wednesday, 3 May 2023, 09:00 – 11: 30 Hours (GMT)

                        Public Session (Hybrid): 3 – 13 May 2023 at 09:00 a.m. (GMT) / 12:00 p.m.

                        (EAT) 11:00a.m. (CAT) [Physical /in-person] and 23 May 2022 (Public Session)

                        from 9:00 am (GMT) /12:00p.m. (EAT) 11:00 a.m. [Hybrid]. Those who are

                        unable to travel to Banjul may connect virtually from their countries of

                        residence, using the following zoom link:

                        https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9HFjHBQvTBeva3bt0x1Mzw

                        Private Session: 14 – 22 May 2023

                        Public Session: Closing Ceremony (Hybrid): 23 May 2023, 10:00 – 11:30

                        Hours (GMT)

VENUE: Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, International Conference Centre, Banjul - The Gambia

WHO: Media Representatives

Journalists who wish to participate in the Closing Session on 23 May 2022 must submit

questions in advance on ACHPR website using the following link:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9HFjHBQvTBeva3bt0x1Mzw

They should indicate their full name and the name of their media organization.

INFORMATION NOTE:

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. The 75^th Ordinary Session, to be held hybrid from 3 to 23 May, 2023 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. The Commission will focus on the following session activities Panel on Protection of the socio-economic rights of refugees and migrants at the national level;  Panel on Increasing awareness of the Guidelines of freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa, for effective implementation; Panel of Awareness in support of the treaty against trade of instruments of torture; Panel of the Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Places of Detention in Africa; Panel on African Union Theme of the Year for 2023 “Acceleration of AfCFTA Implementation”; Panel on Leveraging Data for meaningful progress towards Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; Panel on State Reporting; Panel on the official launch of the Guidelines on Adhering to Human and Peoples’ Rights under the African Charter in the Context of States of Emergency or Disaster.
6. 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: Report of the Republic of Zambia; and the Republic of Senegal, presented by their Delegations. 
7. Thereafter, the ACHPR will retreat into Private Sittings where it will deliberate on draft Resolutions and take decisions on various reports, and on registered complaints of human rights violations [Communications].

 NOTE FOR EDITORS:

Further information on the ACHPR can be obtained from the ACHPR’s website at achpr.au.int

1. For more comments:
   Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, Ag. Secretary to the Commission
   Tel: +220 4410 505 / 506; E-mail: Achpr.stcincoming@africa-union.org
2. For documentation and materials, please contact:

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

3. For media interested in participating, please contact:

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