85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)

Event

Out 21, 2025 - 09:00 - Out 30, 2025 - 17:00

PRESS CONFERENCE INVITATION TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

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

WHAT: The 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights

WHEN: 21 October – 30 October 2025
Public Session (In-person): 21 October – 30 October 2025
Private Session (Virtual & Closed): 7 October 2025 -17 October 2025

Opening Ceremony:

Date: Tuesday, 21October 2025
Time: 09:00 – 11:30 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: 21 October 2025
Closing Ceremony Press Conference: 30 October 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: 7 October – 15 October 2025

Public Session Closing Ceremony:

Date: 30 October 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:

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.
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.
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
Session Information:
The ACHPR meets four times annually in Ordinary Sessions, with the option of Extra-Ordinary Sessions. The 85th Ordinary Session is scheduled to take place in-person. Interested participants must register online by the specified deadline.
Key Session Activities:
Discussion on the human rights situation in Africa
Consideration of State Party Reports
Engagement with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and NGOs
Applications for Observer Status from NGOs
Activity Reports of Commissioners
Panel Discussions
Review of Communications
Consideration of Concluding Observations and Reports
Live Streaming:
The Ordinary Session will be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgwJmiMTr59J0jYZJJtfzuw
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 The Republic Arabic of Egypt, The Republic of Botswana, The Republic of Mauritius and The Republic of Tunisia
Private Sittings:
Before 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@africanunion.org
Documentation and Materials:
Please contact:
Mr. Eyob Demissie, Email: EyobD@africanunion.org

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

Media Advisory

Media Advisory (EN) - Press Conference & Launch of the Sudan Fact-Finding Mission Report