85th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS (ACHPR)
INTERSESSIONAL ACTIVITY REPORT
HON. COMMISSIONER DR. LITHA MUSYIMI-OGANA
Member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Chairperson of the Committee on the Protection of The Rights of People Living With HIV And Those at Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected By HIV/AIDS in Africa
Country Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Sierra-Leone, The State of Eritrea, and the Kingdom of Eswatini
Covering the period: May 2025 – October 2025
Dated: October 2025
INTRODUCTION
1. This Report is submitted under Rules 25 (3) and Rule 64 of the 2020 Rules of Procedure of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (The Rules of Procedure), as well as Section II(3)(d) of the Standard Operating Procedures of the Special Mechanisms of the Commission (Standard Operating Procedures);
2. It provides an overview of the activities undertaken during the intersessional period between the 84th and 85th Ordinary Sessions of the Commission, in my capacity as the Chairperson of the Committee on the Protection of The Rights of People Living With HIV And Those at Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected By HIV/AIDS in Africa, as the Country Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in the Arab republic of Egypt, The Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Sierra-Leone, The State of Eritrea, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and as a Member of the Commission.
3. The Report is divided into the following six (6) parts:
PART 1: Activities of the Committee on the Protection of The Rights of People Living With HIV And Those at Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected By HIV/AIDS in Africa.
PART 2: Country Monitoring Efforts (Egypt, Gambia, Sierra-Leone, Eritrea, Eswatini).
PART 3: Inter-Session Activities Conducted in My Capacity as A Member of the Commission.
PART 4: Working Group on Specific Issues.
PART 5: Recommendations.
PART 6: Conclusion.
Part 1: Activities of the Committee on the Protection of The Rights of People Living With HIV And Those at Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected By HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Forum of African Traditional Leaders in the Kingdom of Eswatini
1. On the margins of the Forum of African Traditional Leaders, hosted under my capacity as the Chairperson of Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities and Minorities in Africa, held from 5-9 September 2025 in Mbabane, the Kingdom of Eswatini, under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mswati III, I convened a Round Table on HIV/AIDS, which was addressed by the UNAIDS Country Director in the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the Head of HIV/AIDS Prevention Council in the Kingdom, among others. The Roundtable was extremely successful, vibrant, and welcomed by the traditional leaders who immediately formed a Network for Traditional Leaders to support People Living with HIV.
Meeting with Safaricom on the Development of an HIV App
2. During the Intersession period, efforts continued towards the implementation of the proposal of the Committee to create and launch a digitized software application (App), which is a community-based programme aimed to address the overwhelming needs of PLWHIV, and provide home-based care, among others. The proposed Software Application (App) initiative which will deliver a Patient Driven HIV/AIDS Management Programme is designed to meet the entire spectrum of needs experienced by PLWHIV across the continent and their family’s physical, social, psychological, and medical needs.
3. In that regard, I had an initial meeting with Safaricom Team in Kenya on 2 October 2025 to motivate them and seek their support to the Commission, to start the process of mobilizing partners to fund the development of the App. The meeting agreed to convene a Donor Round table for the HIV App in Nairobi in the first quarter of 2026.
Meeting with Partners on the Margins of the Ghana Continental Workshop for NGOs
4. I held a follow-up meeting to the High-Level Panel on the HIV/AIDS App held in New York, USA on 14 March in Collaboration with IPAS Africa Alliance. The follow-up meeting was held on 26 September 2025 in Accra, Ghana, on the margins of the Continental Workshop for NGO’s. This meeting was important in mapping the next steps in the HIV App development process.
South Africa's Planned Roll-Out Of The Anti-HIV Jab (Lenacapavir) for HIV Prevention
5. The Committee notes that the Republic of South Africa is preparing to roll out the long-acting injectable drug lenacapavir as part of its national HIV prevention strategy, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against HIV. Reports indicate that lenacapavir, which is administered only twice a year, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in preventing HIV infection, particularly among populations at high risk, such as adolescent girls and young women. The planned rollout follows successful clinical trials and regulatory approval processes, positioning South Africa as one of the first countries in the world, and the first in Africa, to implement this groundbreaking prevention tool at scale. However, the use of the phrase ‘vaccine’ instead of an ‘injectable’ has raised concerns, considering the frequency at which it has to be administered, which is every 6 months.
6. The initiative is expected to complement existing HIV prevention measures, including oral PrEP and condoms, by offering a discreet, convenient, and highly effective option for individuals who struggle with adherence to daily medication. This development not only reinforces South Africa’s leadership in HIV innovation and response but also signals a transformative step toward reducing new infections and advancing the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. I call upon the South African Government to ensure that this injectable is safe, and not a population control drug.
Ongoing Plans for the Commemoration of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2025
7. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), through its Committee on the Protection of the Rights of People Living with HIV and those at Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected by HIV in Africa, is initiating a collaboration with the UNAIDS Country Office in Eswatini for the commemoration of World AIDS Day 2025.
8. This initiative aims to reaffirm regional and national commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with a specific focus on human rights, equity, and community leadership. Recognizing Eswatini’s leading role in the global HIV response, the proposed collaboration seeks to highlight the country’s progress, address ongoing challenges, and strengthen advocacy for inclusive, rights-based HIV responses.
Part 2: Country Rapporteur Monitoring Efforts (Egypt, Gambia, Sierra-Leone, Eritrea, Eswatini).
The Arab Republic of Egypt
9. The Arab Republic of Egypt has submitted its 18th - 19th Combined Periodic Report under Article 62 of the Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, covering the period 2019-2024, which has been tabled for consideration during this 85th Ordinary Session. This follows my information and advocacy visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt from 9 – 16 December 2024, in conformity with Article 45 of the African Charter and Rule 7 (b) of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure 2020, on the invitation of His Excellency Ambassador Khaled El-Bakly, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights and International Social and Humanitarian Issues, and also serving as the Secretary-General of the Supreme Standing Committee for Human Rights in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
10. Following the submission of the 18th - 19th Combined Periodic Report of the Arab Republic of Egypt and its publication, the Commission received Shadow Reports from REDRESS Trust dated 20 September 2025. I also received a letter on 18 August 2025 from several NGOs regarding the human rights situation in the Arab Republic of Egypt, which has been co-signed by: Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression for Human Rights (AFTE); Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS); Committee for Justice (CFJ); Dfater Masr; DIGNITY; Egyptian Front for Human Rights (EFHR); El Nadeem Center against Violence and Torture; International Commission of Jurists (ICJ); Law and Democracy Support Foundation; REDRESS Trust; Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF); The World Organization Against Torture (OMCT).
11. All these reports have been taken into consideration in the examination process of the 18th - 19th Combined Periodic Report of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
12. I commend the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for its ongoing commitment to fulfill its obligations under the African Charter and its continued engagement with the Commission, towards the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
13. In addition to the above, on 23 October 2025, I delivered opening remarks at a side event titled “Perspective on the Human Rights Situation in North Africa: A Case Study of Egypt and Tunisia,” convened by Maat for Peace, Development, and Human Rights on the margins of this 85th Ordinary Session of the Commission, in my capacity as the Country Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in the Arab Republic of Egypt. In my opening remarks, I emphasized the importance of civil society’s role in monitoring and advocating for human rights.
The Republic of The Gambia
Joint Letter of Commendation to The Gambia for the Signing of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG)
14. On 29 July 2025, in my capacity as the Country Rapporteur for The Republic of The Gambia, I co-signed a Joint Letter of Commendation addressed to His Excellency President Adama Barrow, alongside the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa. The letter congratulated the Government of The Gambia for signing the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG)—a landmark legal instrument dedicated to protecting women and girls across the continent. I commended the bold leadership and commitment demonstrated by national institutions in achieving this milestone. While acknowledging the significance of the signature, I emphasized the importance of ratification and domestication to ensure the Convention’s provisions are fully implemented. I also reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support The Gambia throughout the ratification and implementation process.
Letter Of Urgent Appeal to The Government of The Republic of The Gambia on The Death of a one-month-old Baby Following Female Genital Mutilation
15. On 14 August 2025, I joined fellow Commissioners and Experts from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in issuing a Joint Letter of Urgent Appeal to His Excellency President Adama Barrow. This appeal followed the tragic death of a one-month-old baby girl due to complications from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). As Country Rapporteur for The Republic of The Gambia, I underscored the State’s obligations under the Maputo Protocol and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to eliminate harmful practices. We called for a thorough investigation, accountability for perpetrators, and strengthened national measures to prevent FGM. I reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support The Gambia in fulfilling its human rights commitments and protecting the lives and dignity of women and girls.
Reports Alleging Arbitrary Arrests and Excessive Use of Force by Security Forces Against Protesters and Journalists in The Gambia
16. On 19 September 2025, in my capacity as the Country Rapporteur for The Gambia I received a letter from a coalition of Gambian civil society organizations, activists, and lawyers, raising serious concerns regarding the arbitrary arrest, detention, and use of excessive force against peaceful protesters and journalists by security forces of The Republic of The Gambia, citing incidents that occurred on 15 September 2025, 22 and 25 August 2025.
17. Incident of 15 September 2025: The report received alleged that four individuals: Omar Saibo Camara, Alieu Bah, Kemo Fatty, and Momadou Camara, were arrested by the Gambian Police Force while peacefully demonstrating in front of the National Audit Office (NAO) in Banjul. The report indicates that the protesters, led by the civil society group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), gathered to express solidarity with the Auditor General, Mr. Modou Ceesay, who had declined a ministerial appointment to maintain his constitutional mandate.
18. During the protest, police reportedly employed excessive force, including the indiscriminate use of tear gas and the rough handling of journalists, one of whom — a reporter with Gambian Talent TV — was briefly detained. As alleged, the arrested activists were later charged with unlawful assembly and public nuisance and were required to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in October 2025.
19. Incidents of 22 and 25 August 2025: The report received alleged the arrest of 44 peaceful demonstrators on 22 and 25 August 2025, who were protesting against a directive by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) concerning internet pricing. The protesters, mainly youth, demanded the suspension of what they considered a regressive policy that would increase internet costs and restrict digital access. The report received notes that 23 protesters were formally charged before the courts with unlawful assembly, unlawful procession, and public nuisance, offences carrying potential prison terms of up to three (3) years.
20. In both incidents, the arrested individuals were released before I could write an Urgent Letter of Appeal to the Government for their release, and the reports indicate that they are now going through prosecution before the national courts, as per the charges indicated.
The Republic of Sierra-Leone
21. As a Country Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in the Republic of Sierra Leone, I remain concerned by the persistent challenges affecting the right to health, a safe environment, and socio-economic wellbeing. The ongoing public health crisis caused by the widespread abuse of the synthetic drug “kush” has devastated youth populations and exposed weaknesses in access to treatment, rehabilitation, and social protection.
22. At the same time, reports indicate that environmental degradation driven by illegal mining, deforestation, and land grabbing has displaced rural communities and left populations exposed to land and ecosystem damage, undermining their right to a healthy environment. Persistent poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to essential services, including clean water, sanitation, and housing, further illustrate the gaps in realizing socio-economic rights. While noting the commendable effort of the Government to address these issues, these interlinked challenges highlight the urgent need for stronger public health systems, effective environmental governance, and inclusive social and economic policies to protect the dignity and wellbeing of all Sierra Leoneans.
The State of Eritrea
23. As a Country Rapporteur for Human Rights Situation in the State of Eritrea, I commend the Government for the release of two Jehovah’s Witnesses, an elderly and a then pregnant lady, following their arrest, together with other members of Jehovah’s Witnesses, arrested on 27th September 2024, by the National Security Forces of the State of Eritrea when they assembled for a peaceful religious congregation to worship and study the bible. I continue to call upon His Excellency’s Government to release the remaining Jehovah’s Witnesses, estimated to be 64, who are allegedly still in detention without charge, trial or determinate sentence in various facilities such as Mai Serwa, Adi Abeto and Bushuku Prison Camps.
24. I call upon the Government to guarantee the enjoyment of the rights guaranteed by the African Charter, particularly Article 8 which states that “freedom of conscience, the profession and free practice of religion shall be guaranteed. No one may, subject to law and order, be submitted to measures restricting the exercise of these freedoms.” I commend the State of Eritrea for its continued engagement with the Commission, as demonstrated through submission of periodic reports (Combined 2nd and 3rd Periodic Report, 2017-2020) and participation in the sessions of the Commission, and its determination to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of all Eritreans through various legislative, institutional and policy measures.
The Kingdom of Eswatini
Promotion Mission to the Kingdom of Eswatini
25. From 14th to 20th July 2025, the Commission conducted a Promotion Mission to the Kingdom of Eswatini, in which I took part as the Country Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in the Kingdom, alongside the following Commissioners:
• Honorable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu – as then Chairperson of the Commission; Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa; and Focal Point on Judicial Independence in Africa.
• Honorable Commissioner Marie Louise Abomo - Chairperson of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa; and also Chairperson of the Working Group on Communications.
26. The Commission engaged with government officials, civil society, and international partners to assess the human rights situation in the Kingdom.
27. The Commission took note of the dual governance structure in the Kingdom, in which the traditional system of governance runs alongside the modern governance system under an African Monarchy.
28. At the end of the Promotion Mission, the Commission commended Eswatini for notable progress, including ratification of key human rights instruments, adoption of different policies, legislative reforms, improved welfare of women and children, and improved conditions in correctional facilities. However, it also identified challenges such as limited civil society engagement, gaps in legal protections for human rights defenders, and concerns over freedom of expression and civic space.
29. The Commission published its press-release at the end of the promotion mission, indicating its pre-liminary findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening the human rights protections, promoting inclusive governance, and enhancing collaboration between stakeholders. The detailed report of the Promotion Mission will be published after its consideration and adoption by the Commission.
30. I commend the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini for its initiative in inviting the Commission to undertake this Promotion Mission. This gesture reflects a commendable commitment to openness and transparency, and a willingness to facilitate an objective assessment of the human rights situation in the Kingdom, followed by the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.
Part 3: Inter-Session Activities Conducted in My Capacity as a Member of the Commission.
Second Complementarity Retreat Between the African Commission (ACPHPR) and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
31. I participated in the Second Retreat between the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, held in Arusha, Tanzania, from 2–3 June 2025. The retreat, co-chaired by Hon. Justice Modibo Sacko and Hon. Remy Ngoy Lumbu, aimed to strengthen institutional complementarity and review progress on the 2023–2025 Complementarity Roadmap. Key achievements discussed included staff exchanges, joint publications, and collaborative research efforts. I contributed to deliberations on extending the roadmap to 2028, renewing the staff exchange framework, and advancing joint initiatives such as the African Jurisprudence Database and AU Legal Aid Fund. The retreat concluded with the adoption of Guidelines on Submission and Transfer of Cases and a reaffirmed commitment to enhancing human rights protection across Africa.
UNEP Expert Consultation on Human Rights and the Environment in Nairobi, Kenya
32. On 12–13 July 2025, I participated in the Expert Consultation on Human Rights and the Environment convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at its Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, along with Hon. Commissioner Solomon Ayelew Dersso. 'During the consultation, I delivered presentations on the work of the Commission in advancing the nexus between human rights and the environment, highlighting the African Charter’s pioneering recognition of environmental rights, the Commission’s jurisprudence, and ongoing initiatives such as the development of a General Comment on the Right to a Healthy Environment.
84th Private Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
33. From 21 to 30 July 2025, I participated in the 84th Private Ordinary Session of the Commission, held virtually. During the session, we deliberated on a wide range of substantive matters, including decisions on fifteen Communications, Concluding Observations for Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, and strategic discussions on complementarity with the African Court, the draft Strategic Plan 2026–2028, and new formats for ACHPR sessions. I contributed to the adoption of key resolutions addressing urgent human rights concerns, including the situation in Tanzania and the occupied Palestinian territories. The session also reviewed the outcomes of the Joint Retreat with the African Court and advanced preparations for the 85th Ordinary Session. It was a productive engagement that reaffirmed our collective commitment to strengthening human rights protection across the continent.
38th Extraordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
34. On 19 September 2025, I participated in the 38th Extraordinary Session of the Commission, held virtually under the chairmanship of Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu. During the session, we addressed both technical and organizational matters, including the adoption of the terms of reference for the Pre-Session Forum of States Parties and discussions on the proposed grounds for the Commission’s seizure of the African Court. We deliberated on the alignment of the dates of upcoming sessions with stakeholder engagements and the Commission’s Promotion Mission to the Republic of Ghana. We also reviewed progress on the Joint Fact-Finding Mission Report on The Sudan. The session was a valuable opportunity to advance internal coordination and reinforce the Commission’s strategic priorities.
Continental Workshop: ECOSOCC Rights of Women and Extractive Industries (Supported by GIZ & IPAS)
35. From 25 to 26 September 2025, I participated in the Continental Workshop on the Socio-Economic Rights of Women, including in the context of extractive industries, co-organized by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, GIZ-AU AWARE Project, and IPAS Africa Alliance. I had the honor of moderating the session on “Women in the Extractive Industries,” which explored the human rights implications of extractive activities on women’s livelihoods, land rights, and socio-economic empowerment. The workshop brought together AU organs, Member States, NHRIs, CSOs, and grassroots actors to examine the intersectionality of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), education, social protection, and economic justice. I contributed to discussions on the urgent need for ratification and implementation of key AU instruments, including the Maputo Protocol and the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. The workshop concluded with concrete recommendations to strengthen gender-responsive policies and ensure women’s full participation in Africa’s development, particularly in resource governance and benefit-sharing frameworks.
Quasi-Official Mission to California, USA
36. From 5 -12 October 2025, I undertook a quasi-official mission to California, USA. One of the key highlights in my visit to California was a breakfast meeting held on 13th October 2025 with the Roots@50 Team, which is shareholding the 50-Years Commemoration of the book “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” which will be turning 50 next year, as part of the African Union Theme of the Year 2025. The 1976 novel written by Alex Haley who is an American Afro-Descendant tells the story of Kunta Kinte, an 18th-century Mandinka, captured as an adolescent, and transported to North America. The Roots@50 Team sought the involvement of my Mandate in this commemoration and also my involvement in the organization of the event as the Country Rapporteur for The Gambia, as well as my role in championing recognition of Ancestry of Afro-Descendants. "The Roots@50 team is working hard to bring Mr. LeVar Burton, who played Kunta Kinte in the ABC miniseries Roots, to The Gambia next year for the Commemoration, together with Alex Haley’s grandson, Mr. Bill Haley Jr and requested me to work with The Gambian Government to consider granting him Gambia Citizenship, based on the outstanding work he did in putting The Gambia on the global map, given the role he played in bringing to light the story of Kunta Kinte, a young Gambian who was captured into slavery."
Part 4: Working Group on Specific Issues -ACHPR Host Agreement
37. In my capacity as the Chairperson of the Working Group on Specific Issues within the Commission, I call for the implementation of the various decisions of the Executive Council urging the Government of the Republic of The Gambia to provide permanent headquarters for the Commission, including Decision On The Twenty Ninth, Thirtieth And Thirty First Activity Reports Of The African Commission On Human And Peoples’ Rights Doc. EX.CL/717(XX), in which the Executive Council “Expresses its gratitude to the Government of the Republic of The Gambia for kindly hosting ACHPR for the past twenty (25) years, and urges it to provide a permanent headquarters for ACHPR, in conformity with the Criteria for Hosting AU Organs adopted in Sirte, Libya, in July 2005.”
Part 5: Recommendations
38. Recommendations to States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
a) Strengthen HIV Prevention and Treatment: Accelerate the adoption and equitable roll-out of innovative HIV prevention and treatment tools such as long-acting injectable drugs (e.g., Lenacapavir), ensuring accessibility to women, adolescents, and key populations.
b) Support Digital Health Solutions: Collaborate with the ACHPR Committee on HIV and partners in developing and scaling up the proposed community-based mobile application for people living with HIV, to enhance access to home-based care and psychosocial support.
c) Advance Legal and Policy Reforms: Ratify, domesticate, and effectively implement key AU human rights instruments, including the Maputo Protocol and the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG).
d) Protect Civic Space and Human Rights Defenders: Ensure the protection of journalists, protesters, and civil society actors from arbitrary arrest, detention, and excessive use of force, in compliance with Articles 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter.
e) Address Socio-Economic and Environmental Rights: Adopt integrated strategies to strengthen public health systems, tackle drug abuse (such as the “kush” drug issue in Sierra Leone), and ensure effective environmental governance to protect communities from illegal mining and deforestation.
f) Promote Freedom of Religion and Belief: Guarantee freedom of conscience and worship in line with Article 8 of the African Charter, by ensuring that no person is detained solely for exercising religious rights.
g) Enhance Cooperation with the Commission: Continue to extend standing invitations for promotion and fact-finding missions, submit periodic reports timely, and implement the Commission’s recommendations in good faith.
39. Recommendations to Civil Society Organizations and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
a) Strengthen Monitoring and Advocacy: Continue documenting and reporting human rights violations, including those affecting people living with HIV, women, and marginalized groups.
b) Foster Partnerships on HIV and Digital Health: Collaborate with the ACHPR Committee on HIV to support the deployment and monitoring of the proposed HIV digital application and ensure that the voices of communities inform design and implementation.
c) Promote Awareness and Legal Literacy: Scale up community education on rights related to health, environment, gender equality, and civic participation, to foster informed and empowered populations.
d) Engage in Constructive Dialogue: Work collaboratively with governments to advance reforms, and participate in the implementation and follow-up of ACHPR and AU recommendations in general.
e) Enhance Protection Networks: Strengthen regional solidarity and rapid-response mechanisms for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists.
Part 6: Conclusion
40. The reporting period reflects substantial progress in advancing human rights, public health, and institutional collaboration across Africa. The activities undertaken in my capacity as Country Rapporteur of the five countries and as a Member of the Commission reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that human rights principles underpin the continent’s efforts to end AIDS, promote gender equality, and protect civic and environmental rights. While notable gains have been recorded, such as South Africa’s leadership in HIV prevention innovation, The Gambia’s signature of the AU-CEVAWG Convention, and Eswatini’s openness to ACHPR engagement, persistent challenges remain in some parts of the continent. These include civic space restrictions, socio-economic vulnerabilities, environmental degradation, and gaps in access to health and justice. Sustained commitment from States, civil society, and development partners remains critical to achieving the African Charter’s vision of dignity, equality, and justice for all. The Commission, through its special mechanisms, such as the Committee on the Protection of The Rights of People Living With HIV And Those at Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected By HIV/AIDS in Africa, and through partnerships, will continue to provide guidance, monitor compliance, and support transformative action toward the full realization of human and peoples’ rights on the continent.
Hon. Commissioner Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)
