MEDIA ADVISORY: [PUBLIC SESSION] 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), 21 – 30 October 2025
PRESS CONFERENCE INVITATION TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
Venue: Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, The Gambia
WHAT: The 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights
WHEN: 21 October – 30 October 2025
Public Session (In-person): 21 October – 30 October 2025
Private Session (Virtual & Closed): 7 October 2025 -17 October 2025
Opening Ceremony:
• Date: Tuesday, 21October 2025
• Time: 09:00 – 11:30 Hours (GMT)
• Location: In-person at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre
The Press Conferences will take place shortly after the Opening and Closing Ceremonies:
• Opening Ceremony Press Conference: 21 October 2025
• Closing Ceremony Press Conference: 30 October 2025
Other Session Days:
• Mondays to Thursdays: 09:00 – 17:30 Hours (GMT)
• Fridays: 09:00 – 13:00 Hours (GMT)
• Sundays: 14:30 – 17:30 Hours (GMT)
Private Session:
• Dates: 7 October – 15 October 2025
Public Session Closing Ceremony:
• Date: 30 October 2025
• Time: 10:00 – 11:30 Hours (GMT)
WHO: Convened by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the session invites:
• All States Parties
• Organs of the African Union
• National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
• International Organizations
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• General public
NOTE TO EDITORS:
1. About the ACHPR:
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) is the primary human rights body of the African Union, established under Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the foundational treaty of the African Human Rights system. It promotes and protects human rights across the continent.
2. Composition of the ACHPR:
The ACHPR consists of 11 Commissioners, elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. They serve in a personal, independent, and impartial capacity.
3. Mandate of the ACHPR:
The ACHPR's mandate, as defined in Article 45 of the African Charter, includes:
o Promoting and protecting human rights in Africa
o Interpreting provisions of the African Charter
o Formulating principles for legislation on fundamental freedoms
4. Session Information:
The ACHPR meets four times annually in Ordinary Sessions, with the option of Extra-Ordinary Sessions. The 85th Ordinary Session is scheduled to take place in-person. Interested participants must register online by the specified deadline.
5. Key Session Activities:
o Discussion on the human rights situation in Africa
o Consideration of State Party Reports
o Engagement with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and NGOs
o Applications for Observer Status from NGOs
o Activity Reports of Commissioners
o Panel Discussions
o Review of Communications
o Consideration of Concluding Observations and Reports
6. Live Streaming:
The Ordinary Session will be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgwJmiMTr59J0jYZJJtfzuw
7. State Periodic Reports:
In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, States Parties are required to submit Periodic Reports to the ACHPR every two years. The Commission will review Periodic Reports for The Republic Arabic of Egypt, The Republic of Botswana, The Republic of Mauritius and The Republic of Tunisia
8. Private Sittings:
Before the public sessions, the ACHPR will convene Private Sittings to deliberate and make decisions on various reports and registered complaints of human rights violations (Communications).
For Media Inquiries:
• Press Participation:
Please contact:
Ms. Samantha Kambule, Email: kambules@africanunion.org
• Documentation and Materials:
Please contact:
Mr. Eyob Demissie, Email: EyobD@africanunion.org
For more information on the ACHPR, please visit www.achpr.au.int
ENDS///
