Johannesburg, 3 February 2023 – The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has concluded a three-day Regional Seminar on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information for Lusophone Africa. The Regional Seminar was convened by the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, in collaboration with the Commissioner Rapporteur for Lusophone State Parties to the African Charter, from 1 to 3 February 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The main Objective of the Seminar was to raise awareness, and disseminate the Declaration on Principles of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the 2019 Declaration), specifically targeting State Parties from Lusophone Africa. The Seminar also gave an opportunity for Participants to build knowledge on the importance of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information, as elaborated in the Declaration. It also enlightened Participants on other Soft Laws and jurisprudence of the ACHPR, relating to freedom of expression and access to information.
The Seminar was attended and facilitated by Honourable Commissioners Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa; as well as Maria Teresa Manuela, Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Conditions of Detention in Africa, and Commissioner Rapporteur for Lusophone Countries. Hon. Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the ACHPR, and Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point for Reprisals in Africa, opened, and also took part in the Seminar.
Furthermore, the Seminar was attended by Representatives from Member States of the African Union from Lusophone countries, Journalists, Media Associations, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Staff of the Secretariat of the ACHPR serviced the Seminar, under the leadership of Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, Ag. Secretary to the ACHPR.
The Key Conclusions and Recommendations of the Regional Seminar on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information for Lusophone Africa, will be available on the ACHPR’s website and also widely disseminated.
For further information, please contact:
Secretariat, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
31 Bijilo Annex Lay-out, Kombo North District Western Region.
PO Box 673
Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: 220 4410505/6
Fax: 220 4410504
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org
