By Alieu Ceesay
The 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights commenced today at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center in Bijilo, The Gambia, under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent.” The session, a pivotal platform for addressing pressing human rights challenges across the continent, underscores the Commission’s commitment to fostering accountability, equality, and justice.
Dr. Joseph Whittal, Chairperson of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), emphasized the growing demand for reparatory justice across Africa. “Reparations extend beyond financial compensation,” Whittal declared. “They represent a holistic process of restoring dignity, addressing deep-rooted inequalities, and acknowledging the enduring impact of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and racial discrimination.” The Seventh AUC–NANHRI Policy Dialogue highlighted the critical role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in documenting injustices, advocating for robust legal frameworks, and leading inclusive dialogues to center affected communities in reparatory processes.
The session comes at a critical time, as many African states grapple with shrinking civic spaces, marked by restrictive laws, harassment of journalists, and suppression of human rights defenders. These challenges erode public trust and weaken social cohesion. Meanwhile, protracted conflicts in regions like the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and Central Africa have displaced millions, exacerbated humanitarian crises, and strained states’ abilities to protect basic rights. The absence of effective conflict-resolution mechanisms and the rise of armed groups have left civilians vulnerable to abuse.
H.E. Ambassador Professor Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, Chairperson of the African Union’s Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), acknowledged the continent’s progress through legislative reforms and strengthened accountability mechanisms. However, he stressed that significant challenges persist. “Conflicts endanger human life and dignity, while inequalities, discrimination, and emerging issues like climate change and migration demand our constant commitment and collective action,” Bembe said.
Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the African Commission, called for urgent action to address contemporary injustices. “How can we resolve the continent’s past when its present mirrors the scenes of slavery and colonization?” Lumbu asked. He urged the session to prioritize justice for victims of serious human rights violations, international crimes, and genocide, emphasizing the Commission’s obligation to confront these issues head-on.
The 85th session marks a milestone in the ongoing fight to promote and protect human rights across Africa. It serves as both a celebration of progress and a call for introspection, urging stakeholders to renew their commitment to addressing historical and ongoing injustices. As the session unfolds, it will provide a platform for strategic engagement, fostering dialogue and solutions to ensure justice and dignity for Africans and people of African descent worldwide.
The event, attended by African Union member states, human rights organizations, and civil society representatives, is expected to shape the continent’s human rights agenda for years to come, reinforcing the Commission’s leadership in advancing accountability and equality.
