Banjul, The Gambia – 31 July 2025 — The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) yesterday concluded its three-day Regional Training on Climate Action and Human Rights, bringing together civil society actors and human rights defenders across West Africa. The event, held in Banjul from 29–31 July 2025, marked the third consecutive year of this intensive training programme focusing on the intersections of environmental justice, human rights, and gender-based violence.
The closing ceremony was a reflection on the depth of knowledge shared, the solidarity built, and the responsibility now resting on the shoulders of participants. Facilitators and guests joined hands in congratulating the participants, urging them to apply their learning through advocacy, collaboration, and engagement with national and regional mechanisms.
Speaking at the closing, Mr. Edmund Foley, one of the facilitators, emphasized that “the work has just begun,” stressing that knowledge gained during the training must be transformed into action within participants’ respective communities. “We have formed a family,” he noted, “a group that will work on the issues that affect us collectively, climate change, pollution, legal mining, gender-based violence, and the corporate challenges in the extractive industry.”
Dr. Nana Busia Jr., another key facilitator, praised the ACDHRS for continuing to be a beacon in human rights training. “Banjul was once the mecca for human rights defenders,” he said, “and this training shows that the spirit of learning and resistance is alive.” He reminded participants of the balancing act between development and environmental preservation, and encouraged strategic, rights-based advocacy in the face of rising environmental and political challenges.
Mrs. Hannah Forster, Executive Director of the ACDHRS, highlighted the interconnected nature of the training: “We looked at the environment and human rights, natural resource governance, and gender-based violence, especially how it affects women human rights defenders.” She noted that none of the participants had previously engaged directly with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, but that this would soon change. Participants are expected to return in October for a practical session and to present alternative reports from their respective countries.
Delivering a heartfelt message, Hon. Justice Raymond Sock, founding Executive Director of the ACDHRS, commended the participants and facilitators. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations (CSOs), governments, and institutions like National Human Rights Commissions, stating, “Your advocacy will be more effective through peaceful interaction and strategic use of local and regional mechanisms.”
Participants were urged to strengthen their networks, seek observer status with the African Commission, and explore the African Court system for redress and accountability. Justice Sock also reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to empowering defenders of the marginalized, particularly women and children, who remain disproportionately affected by violence and environmental degradation.
Mr. Emmanuel Joof, Chairperson of the Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission, gave the final closing remarks, reflecting on the shrinking civic space and the growing pushback against rights in the region. “Changing attitudes is difficult,” he said, “but human rights work is progress, and your presence here is a step in that journey.” He lauded the ACDHRS for its long-standing role in nurturing human rights defenders and called on donors and partners to scale up the initiative to reach more grassroots actors.
In a touching vote of thanks, Rita Cecelia Kollie from Liberia expressed gratitude on behalf of the participants, calling the training a “life-changing experience” and a space that opened doors to institutions previously unknown to many.
The closing ended with certificate presentations and a renewed commitment to protect the environment, challenge injustice, and strengthen the human rights ecosystem across Africa.
