The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) participated in a two-day Validation Workshop on the Draft Study on Indigenous Populations and Communities in Africa, held from 7–8 February 2026 at the Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
ACDHRS was represented at the workshop by Mr. Peter Gomez, Projects Assistant, following an invitation from the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Working Group on Indigenous Populations and Communities in Africa.
The workshop was organized within the mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, established under Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which tasks the Commission with promoting and protecting human and peoples’ rights across the continent, including through studies, research, and collaboration with civil society actors.
Purpose of the Validation Workshop
The Validation Workshop aimed to review and strengthen the draft study by ensuring that it accurately reflects the lived realities of Indigenous Populations and Communities across Africa. Specifically, the workshop sought to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ ownership of the study, increase visibility and recognition of Indigenous rights within the African human rights system, and consolidate practical recommendations for African States, African Union institutions, and civil society organizations.
The workshop was also strategically convened ahead of the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit, underscoring the importance of positioning Indigenous Peoples’ rights within high-level continental policy discussions.
Diverse Participation and Representation
The workshop brought together approximately 50 participants, including Indigenous Peoples’ representatives from all five regions of Africa, Eastern, Southern, Central, Western, and Northern Africa, covering both pastoralist and hunter-gatherer communities.
Key stakeholders present included Hon. Commissioner Litha Musyimi-Ogana, Chairperson of the Working Group; Hon. Commissioner Marie-Louise Abomo, Vice Chairperson; Dr. Albert Barume, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Ms. Marianne Jensen of the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA); Mr. Peter Gomez of ACDHRS; and Dr. Naji Moulay Lahsen of the Network for Independent Commission for Human Rights in Africa (CIDH).
Review of the Draft Study
During the workshop, the lead consultant, Dr. Francis, presented the draft study, which covers key thematic areas including the conceptual framework on Indigenous Peoples in Africa, mapping of Indigenous communities, social and economic challenges, land and gender issues, and policy recommendations.
Participants were then divided into regional working groups to assess whether the study accurately captured the identities, locations, livelihoods, challenges, and good practices of Indigenous Populations in their respective regions. These group discussions formed the basis for detailed plenary presentations on the second day.
Key Recommendations and Outcomes
Among the notable recommendations was the need to involve Indigenous communities from the earliest stages of research and data collection to strengthen ownership of such studies. Participants also emphasized the importance of explicitly addressing the distinct experiences of women, children, and youth, as well as internal challenges faced within Indigenous communities themselves.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony during which the UN Special Rapporteur encouraged continued engagement with his mandate, while partners such as IWGIA commended the process as inclusive, honest, and informative. In her closing remarks, Commissioner Litha Musyimi-Ogana thanked participants for their valuable contributions and encouraged continued engagement with the African Charter and the mechanisms of the African Commission.
Through its participation, ACDHRS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting continental efforts aimed at advancing the recognition, protection, and promotion of the rights of Indigenous Populations and Communities in Africa.
