PRESS RELEASE
Banjul, The Gambia, 9 September 2025 — The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) will host the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) from 17th to 19th October 2025 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, The Gambia.
The Forum, held under the theme “The Year of Reparations: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, will bring together civil society organizations, human rights defenders, policymakers, and advocacy groups from across Africa and the diaspora to deliberate on urgent human rights issues facing the continent.
Over the three days, discussions will address reparations for slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism; unconstitutional changes of government in West and Central Africa; shrinking civic space; constitutional manipulation and electoral malpractice; impunity for human rights violations; environmental justice and indigenous peoples’ rights; the role of the African diaspora in advancing reparations; global economic justice; protection of vulnerable groups including women, youth, and persons with disabilities; and the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
The Forum will precede the 85th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, serving as a critical platform for civil society voices to engage in dialogue, build networks, and strengthen advocacy efforts that advance justice, healing, and empowerment for Africans and people of African descent.
Media Contact:
Mr. Pa Modou Cham
Communication and Information Officer, ACDHRS
Tel: +220 316 3509
Email: infocom@acdhrs.org
