Banjul, The Gambia – July 25, 2025
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) is currently hosting the NGOs Forum Steering Committee Meeting in Banjul, bringing together key civil society leaders and regional focal points from across the continent. The two-day meeting, which opened today, is being held ahead of the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
Organized by the ACDHRS, which also serves as the Secretariat of the NGOs Forum, this meeting marks an important moment of reflection and coordination for Steering Committee members. Participants are deliberating on a range of issues, including the protection of human rights defenders, strategies and plans for the upcoming NGOs Forum. The Forum, traditionally held three days before each ACHPR session, offers civil society organizations a critical space to network, share experiences, and draft resolutions for submission to the Commission.
The committee also includes sub-regional focal points representing North, East, West, Central, Losophone and Southern Africa, all of whom are contributing insights from their respective regions. Their input will help shape thematic discussions during the NGOs Forum, including on the protection of civic space, women’s rights, migration, and more.
The meeting will conclude on July 26 with the adoption of key decisions and preparatory strategies to ensure a successful NGOs Forum and impactful engagement at the ACHPR session.
