MEDIA ADVISORY: [PUBLIC] 83^rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), 2 May – 22 May 2025

PRESS CONFERENCE INVITATION TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

WHAT: The 83^rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights

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

WHEN: 2 May – 22 May 2025
Public Session (In-person): 2 May – 12 May 2025
Private Session: 13 May – 21 May 2025
Public Session (In-person): 22 May 2025

Opening Ceremony:

• Date: Friday, 2 May 2025
• Time: 09:00 – 17:30 Hours (GMT)
• Location: In-person at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre

The Press Conferences will take place shortly after the Opening and Closing Ceremonies:

• Opening Ceremony Press Conference: 2 May 2025
• Closing Ceremony Press Conference: 22 May 2025

Other Session Days:

• Mondays to Thursdays: 09:00 – 17:30 Hours (GMT)
• Fridays: 09:00 – 13:00 Hours (GMT)
• Sundays: 14:30 – 17:30 Hours (GMT)

Private Session:

• Dates: 13 May – 21 May 2025

Public Session Closing Ceremony:

• Date: 22 May 2025
• Time: 10:00 – 11:30 Hours (GMT)

WHO: Convened by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the session invites:

• All States Parties
• Organs of the African Union
• National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
• International Organizations
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• General public

NOTE TO EDITORS:

1. About the ACHPR:
   The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) is the primary human rights body of the African Union, established under Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the foundational treaty of the African Human Rights system. It promotes and protects human rights across the continent.
2. Composition of the ACHPR:
   The ACHPR consists of 11 Commissioners, elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. They serve in a personal, independent, and impartial capacity.
3. Mandate of the ACHPR:
   The ACHPR's mandate, as defined in Article 45 of the African Charter, includes:
   • Promoting and protecting human rights in Africa
   • Interpreting provisions of the African Charter
   • Formulating principles for legislation on fundamental freedoms
4. Session Information:
   The ACHPR meets four times annually in Ordinary Sessions, with the option of ExtraOrdinary Sessions. The 83rd Ordinary Session is scheduled to take place in-person. Interested participants must register online by the specified deadline.
5. Key Session Activities:
6. Discussion on the human rights situation in Africa
7. Consideration of State Party Reports
8. Engagement with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and NGOs
9. Applications for Observer Status from NGOs
10. Activity Reports of Commissioners
11. Panel Discussions
12. Review of Communications
13. Consideration of Concluding Observations and Reports
14. Live Streaming:
    The Ordinary Session will be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgwJmiMTr59J0jYZJJtfzuw
15. State Periodic Reports:
    In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, States Parties are required to submit Periodic Reports to the ACHPR every two years. The Commission will review Periodic Reports for Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.
16. Private Sittings:
    Following the public sessions, the ACHPR will convene Private Sittings to deliberate and make decisions on various reports and registered complaints of human rights violations (Communications).

For Media Inquiries:

• Press Participation:
  Please contact:
  Ms. Samantha Kambule, Email: kambules@africa-union.org
• Documentation and Materials:
  Please contact:
  Ms. Coumba Sonko, Email: sonkoc@africa-union.org

For more information on the ACHPR, please visit www.achpr.au.int

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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