FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA AND EDITORS
2ND JOINT SPECIAL MECHANISMS FORUM OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS: A DIALOGUE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
Banjul, 14th April 2025 – The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is pleased to announce the upcoming 2nd Joint Special Mechanisms Forum under the theme: “Human Rights as an Imperative for People-Centered Sustainable Development in Africa” bringing together key stakeholders from across the continent.
Dates: 05 - 06 May 2025 - 09:00 – 17:00 [GMT]
Venue: The Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre
This event aims to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration between Governments, Universities, Civil Society Organizations, Human Rights Defenders, and Development Partners to explore the essential role of human rights in advancing sustainable development across Africa.
The forum will underscore the importance of a people-centred approach to development, which prioritizes the dignity, rights, and well-being of African citizens as the foundation for long-term social, economic, and environmental progress.
The discussions will revolve around the intersection of human rights, development, and the implementation of the African Union's Agenda 2063, with a particular focus on promoting inclusivity, justice, and equality.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in constructive exchanges on the need to bridge the gap between human rights and sustainable development, sharing best practices, lessons learned, and strategies for overcoming challenges.
• Interactive Discussions: Leading voices in human rights, governance, and sustainable development will offer insights into how human rights principles can be integrated into development policies and practices. Stakeholders will engage in open dialogues with Commissioners and mandate holders for the various Special Mechanism to address the current human rights challenges in Africa and brainstorm actionable solutions for achieving people-centred development.
Participants in this Forum will include:
1. ACHPR Commissioners and Members of the Secretariat;
2. Representatives of AU Member States;
3. Representatives of the African Union Commission and African Union Organs with human rights mandates;
4. National Human Rights Institutions;
5. Civil Society Organizations and other Human Rights Organizations;
6. Representatives of Bar Associations and Judicial Associations
7. Academics and Human Rights Experts; and
8. Representatives of international and regional human rights bodies.
The 2nd Joint Special Mechanisms Forum marks a significant step toward fostering a shared commitment to both human rights and sustainable development across Africa. By promoting a better understanding of human rights as an essential pillar for development, the forum aims to build stronger, more resilient Societies that place people at the heart of Africa’s future growth.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Samantha Kambule
Senior Public Relations Officer
Email:kambules@africa-union.org
Visit us online: https://achpr.au.int
About the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is an important body established by the African Union to promote and protect human rights across the continent. Through its various mechanisms, the Commission works to ensure that African states uphold the rights enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
