The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, meeting at its 82nd Ordinary Session, held online from 25 February to 11 March 2025;
Recalling its mandate to promote and protect human and peoples' rights in Africa, pursuant to Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter);
Taking into account the conflicting dynamics of today's world and their implications for the management of diversity;
Recalling colonisation and its use of domination, exploitation, spoliation and humiliation, suffered by Africa in particular;
Noting that despite all the serious attacks on their dignity and as a result of the deliberate actions of other peoples, Africans have shown a commitment to solidarity and sacrifice for the freedom of all whenever this has been necessary;
Considering the participation of brave fighters from Africa in the various battles that led to the liberation of occupied territories during the Great War;
Convinced that without the sacrifice of Africans deployed on the front lines, particularly in Europe, the Allies would never have triumphed over Nazi imperialism and dictatorship;
Noting that the heroic deeds of these worthy sons of the continent have never been celebrated with the consideration and recognition they deserve;
Recalling the massacre of African Tirailleurs (Infantry) at Thiaroye on 1 December 1944;
Considering that the heroic act of the Africans is a message of harmony and attachment to the values of peace, freedom and, above all, solidarity, values which are contained in the United Nations Charter and which, unfortunately, are not always observed in Africa;
Acknowledging and welcoming the lesson of solidarity from Africa to the world;
The Commission :
i. Decides to proclaim and recognise the African soldiers who took part in the 1944 landings as Defenders of Peace, Freedom and Solidarity, values enshrined in human rights instruments and in particular in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights;
ii. Resolves to organise an annual event on 15 August, or the nearest date if it coincides with a session, to commemorate the landing of African soldiers to the rescue of France and Europe;
iii. Solemnly requests the African Union to consider proclaiming 15 August as Africa's Day of Solidarity with the World:
iv. Calls on all States Parties to the African Charter and other stakeholders, including the Organs of the African Union, International and Intergovernmental Organisations, National Human Rights Institutions and Civil Society Organisations, to commemorate each year Africa's Day of Solidarity with the World as a tribute to those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for a cause that did not directly concern them.
Done 11 March 2025
