NGOs FORUM AHEAD OF THE 89TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS
8–10 October 2026 | Dakar, Senegal
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) invites African and international civil society organisations, human rights defenders, policymakers, researchers, academics, media practitioners and other relevant stakeholders to register for the NGOs Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), scheduled to take place from 8–10 October 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.
The Forum will provide a platform for civil society actors from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on pressing human rights, governance, democracy, civic space, climate and development challenges, and to develop collective recommendations for consideration by the African human rights system.
THEME: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
In line with the African Union Theme of the Year 2026, the Forum will explore the human rights dimensions of water and sanitation while addressing broader challenges affecting the continent, including shrinking civic space, human rights defenders’ protection, conflicts, unconstitutional changes of government, democratic governance, gender equality, youth participation and climate justice.
KEY THEMATIC AREAS
Discussions will focus on:
- The African Charter, Human Rights and the Future of the African Human Rights System
- Shrinking Civic Space, Human Rights Defenders and the Weaponisation of Law
- Conflict, Unconstitutional Changes of Government and Democratic Governance in Africa
- Women and Girls’ Rights in an Era of Digital Transformation
- Water, Sanitation, Climate Justice and Human Rights: Delivering on Agenda 2063
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The call is open to:
- African and international NGOs
- Civil society organisations
- Human rights defenders
- Women’s and youth organisations
- Researchers and academics
- Policy experts and practitioners
- Media organisations and journalists
- Regional and international organisations
- Government and policy stakeholders
- Other actors working on human rights, democracy, governance, civic space, climate justice, water and sanitation, gender and related issues.
1. REGISTER AS A FORUM PARTICIPANT
Individuals and organisations wishing to attend the NGOs Forum are invited to complete the Participant Registration Form.
Register here: NGOs Forum Participant Registration Form
2. CALL FOR PANEL PARTICIPATION
ACDHRS invites organisations and other relevant stakeholders to request panels during the Forum.
Proposed panels include:
- Inaugural Panel: The African Charter at 45: Achievements, Challenges and the Future of Human Rights in Africa
- Panel 1: Shrinking Civic Space in Africa: Protecting Freedom of Expression, Association and Assembly
- Panel 2: Water, Sanitation and Human Rights: Translating the AU Theme of 2026 into Action
- Panel 3: From Restrictive Laws to Transnational Repression: Protecting Human Rights Defenders in Africa
- Panel 4: Conflict and Unconstitutional Changes of Government: Rethinking Peace, Security and Democratic Governance in Africa
- Panel 5: Gender, Youth, and Cultural Rights in Africa’s Future
Submit your panel request here: Panel Participation Application Form
Please note that submission of an expression of interest does not automatically guarantee the selection of your panel.
3. CALL FOR SIDE EVENT PROPOSALS
ACDHRS invites organisations and partners interested in organising side events in connection with the NGOs Forum to submit their proposals.
Side events should complement the objectives and thematic priorities of the Forum and provide opportunities for deeper engagement, knowledge sharing, networking, advocacy and collaboration among civil society actors and other stakeholders.
Submit your Side Event Request: Side Event Application Form
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Deadline for Applications: 18 September 2026
All participant registrations, panel applications and side event proposals must be submitted by 18 September 2026.
Participation and Funding: Participation in the Forum is self-funded.
Participants, panelists and organisations organising side events are responsible for their own international/domestic travel, visa arrangements, accommodation, local transportation and other related expenses, unless otherwise communicated separately by ACDHRS.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to secure the necessary funding and travel arrangements well in advance of the Forum.
Forum Dates
8–10 October 2026
Location
Dakar, Senegal
Specific venue to be communicated.
Expected Outcomes
The Forum aims to strengthen civil society collaboration and solidarity, amplify the voices of affected communities, promote accountability, influence policy and develop collective recommendations on human rights, governance, water and sanitation, climate justice and other pressing challenges facing Africa.
The Forum is also expected to produce a Common Civil Society Declaration/NGOs Statement, strengthen networks and generate resolutions and recommendations for onward engagement with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
ACDHRS INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION OFFICE
