DefendDefenders

Day 2 of #ACHPR87 got off to a strong start with a panel discussion on the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan. During the session, the Banjul Joint Declaration on Sudan was formally endorsed and adopted by both the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The declaration calls on all parties to the conflict to fully cooperate with accountability mechanisms by granting access, facilitating engagement with victims and witnesses, and preserving evidence of violations. It also urges Sudanese stakeholders, the African Union, the United Nations, Member States, and regional and international partners to take concrete and timely steps to implement recommendations focused on: • Protecting civilians • Ensuring humanitarian access • Supporting survivors through medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance • Protecting human rights defenders and other frontline actors documenting violations • Preserving evidence and advancing accountability • Supporting an inclusive civilian-led pathway toward peace and democratic governance A central message from the discussion was clear: there can be no durable solution to Sudan’s crisis through military means alone. Both missions stressed that Sudan’s future must be shaped through an inclusive civilian-led political process that ensures the meaningful participation of women, young people, civil society, and communities from across the country. The declaration also called on the international community to intensify coordinated efforts to protect civilians, support humanitarian operations, advance accountability, and prevent further escalation. As powerfully stated in the declaration, neither impunity nor military force can secure Sudan’s future. Only a path grounded in protection, justice, accountability, and inclusive civilian governance can lay the foundation for lasting peace. #DDATACHPR87

Earlier today, the 87th Ordinary Public Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights officially opened in Banjul, setting the stage for important conversations on human rights, governance, peace, and accountability across the continent for the next 10 days. The opening session marked the beginning of a significant commemorative period for Africa’s human rights system. In her remarks, Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Executive Secretary to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, reminded participants, Commission commemorates 45 years since the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 27 June 1981, 40 years since its entry into force on 21 October 1986, and looks ahead to 40 years of the African Commission in November 2027. She noted that this is not simply a moment to celebrate progress, but one for reflection, renewed commitment, and repositioning. Her message was a call to reflect on what previous generations entrusted to us, what is being done with that legacy today, and what future we are building for generations to come. #DDATACHPR87 #ACHPR87OS

Our delegation from the East and Horn of Africa is taking part in the NGO Forum preceding the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, convened under the theme: “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.” At the opening ceremony of the Forum, keynote speakers underscored the urgency of this year’s theme, noting that at a time when several countries across the continent are grappling with conflict, many communities continue to be denied the basic right to clean water and safe sanitation. They also acknowledged that civil society from across the continent is convening at a critical moment marked by shrinking civic space, ongoing conflict, and continued human rights violations across Africa. Over the next three days, panel discussions and thematic sessions in special interest groups will examine pressing human rights issues across the continent. During today’s panel on the state of human rights and democracy across Africa’s sub-regions, our Senior Programs Officer, @shakkeza , presented an evidence-based overview of the East and Horn of Africa, highlighting deepening political repression, armed conflict, and the continued deterioration of civic space across the region between November 2025 and April 2026. #DDATACHPR87