At the ongoing 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), Ms. Ellen Ann, Administrative Officer of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), presented the report on the outcome of the Forum of NGOs held from 17th to 19th October 2025 in Banjul, The Gambia. The Forum, convened under the African Union’s 2025 theme “The Year of Reparations: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” brought together over 250 participants from 46 African countries and seven beyond the continent to reflect on reparative justice and human rights priorities in Africa.
In her presentation, Ellen Ann highlighted the Forum’s role as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy among civil society actors. The report underscored deliberations on key themes including democracy, accountability, civic space, environmental justice, and reparations. Participants issued thematic and country-specific resolutions calling for stronger protection of human rights defenders, accountability for violations, and the advancement of inclusive, rights-based governance.
The Forum also spotlighted the participation of two groups trained by the ACDHRS, religious and traditional leaders, and environmental advocates, who engaged actively with ACHPR mechanisms, demonstrating the Centre’s continued investment in capacity building and community empowerment.
As Ellen Ann noted, the conclusions of the Forum serve as a blueprint for civil society engagement with the ACHPR and other African human rights mechanisms. The ACDHRS reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners across the continent to transform the Forum’s resolutions into meaningful action that upholds justice, equality, and human dignity for all Africans.
