African Commission Calls for Information to Contribute to the Secondary data collection process under the Study on Prisons, Conditions of detention in Africa
Banjul, The Gambia – 17th February 2026
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), through its Special Mechanism on Prisons, Conditions of Detention and Police Action in Africa, has officially commenced the process of secondary data collection for its continental study on prisons and conditions of detention.
This study, anchored on Resolution ACHPR/Res.557 (LXXV) 2023, and Article 6 of the African Charter, seeks to identify the root causes of human rights violations in prisons and places of detention, and to provide practical recommendations for reform and paradigm shift across Africa.
Call for Information
As part of this process, the Special Mechanism is gathering information from publicly available sources including:
• Human rights reports
• Press releases
• Academic journals and publications
• Policy briefs and studies
• Other relevant documentation relating to prisons, conditions of detention, and policing in Africa that can nourish and support the aims and objectives of the particular study of the ACHPR
General Invitation (State and Non-State actors, civil society, research institutes, partners, media etc.)
The ACHPR sends out a general invitation/call for contribution to the secondary data collection process by sharing relevant materials, reports, and publications that can enrich the study on Prisons and Conditions of detention in Africa. Contributions will ensure that the study reflects diverse national experiences, analytics of African-specific thematic and provides context‑inclined and first-hand realities of Prison and detention-reflective recommendations for reform.
How to Submit
State actors, non-State actors, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society organizations, and partners of ACHPR are encouraged to forward all relevant information for compilation, consolidation and analysis to:
The Special Mechanism on Prisons Conditions of Detention and Policing in Africa
Email: achpr.SMPrisons@africanunion.org
Website: achpr.au.int
Deadline for submissions: 31st March 2026.
Rationale
By contributing to this call, contributing stakeholders will help shape a comprehensive study that addresses prison overcrowding, conditions of detention, accountability in prison management, and the promotion of humane treatment of detainees. The study will serve as a vital tool for guiding reforms and strengthening justice systems across Africa.
