As the curtain closes on the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), is proud to have participated in a range of discussions, panel sessions, statements, capacity-building activities, and networking engagements.

On 7 May 2026, during the NGO Forum preceding the Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, our Legal Officer, Raphael Birindwa, participated in a panel discussion on strategic litigation pathways for securing the right to sanitation under African human rights mechanisms. The discussion focused particularly on the inclusion of children, youth, and marginalised women in the WASH cycle.

On 10 May 2026, Michael Gyan Nyarko and Abdulmalik Bello participated in the Litigants Group General Meeting. The meeting focused on discussions around ACHPR cases, decisions, challenges within the communications procedure, and possible solutions to strengthen the Commission’s effectiveness. It also aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of the ACHPR’s Rules of Procedure and facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences among litigants and civil society actors engaged with the Commission.

On 11 May 2026, our Deputy Executive Director, Michael Gyan Nyarko, delivered IHRDA’s statement before the Commission. The statement addressed persistent patterns of human rights violations across the continent, particularly the deployment of force and restrictions on civic space during elections. Across several African countries, recent elections have been marked by repression, violence, and significant limitations on civic freedoms. You can read the full statement here

On 12 May 2026, our Legal Officer, Awa Gai, participated in a panel discussion titled: “The Sahel: Accountability, Democratic Transitions, and Human Rights Under Siege.” The discussion focused on increasing awareness of the deteriorating human rights situation in the Sahel region and strengthening collaboration between civil society actors and regional mechanisms. The panel’s recommendations were directed to the ACHPR and relevant African Union bodies regarding engagement with Sahel States.

On 13 May 2026, IHRDA held a side event on the margins of the 87th ACHPR to launch its new publication on regional insights and best practices on implementation in Africa. The event, which brought together close to 80 participants both physically and virtually, showcased collective insights and best practices generated through national and regional dialogues. It also fostered engagement among States, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil society organisations, and regional mechanisms. Read the report here. 

On the same day, our Legal Officer, Louisa Ntaji, delivered a statement on behalf of IHRDA raising concerns over the recent Draft Declaration on the Promotion of the Role of Human Rights Defenders and their Protection in Africa. In the statement, IHRDA expressed concern about several provisions in the current draft that risk undermining, rather than strengthening, the protection of human rights defenders across the continent. These include:

• The conflation of States and security institutions with human rights defenders;
• Vague references to “African values,” “moral health,” and “respect for authority,” which may be used to justify restrictions on fundamental freedoms; and
• Restrictive duties imposed on defenders.

As we look forward to continuing our meaningful participation in future Ordinary Sessions of the ACHPR, it is our hope that the Commission will continue to consider the recommendations of IHRDA and other civil society organisations working to advance human rights across Africa.