ACHPR Kicks Off 83rd Session: Justice and Reparations in Focus
ACHPR Chairperson Hon. Remy Ngoy Lumbu © ACHPR Facebook
By Haddy Ceesay
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has officially opened its 83rd Ordinary Session at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, The Gambia. The session, which began on 2nd May 2025, will run through 22nd May 2025.
Held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparation”, the session brings together key stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. It seeks to promote dialogue, foster collaboration, and drive strategic action on urgent human rights issues, with a particular focus on justice, accountability, and reparative measures.
The overarching goal of the session is to reaffirm and strengthen the protection of human and peoples’ rights across Africa, in alignment with the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
During the opening ceremony, ACHPR Chairperson Hon. Remy Ngoy Lumbu delivered a sobering message: “Africa is sick, and the illness is the failure to protect human rights.” He highlighted ongoing conflicts in several African countries that have triggered widespread human rights violations, displacement, and the denial of essential services such as water and electricity—further endangering already vulnerable populations.
Despite these grave concerns, Hon. Lumbu acknowledged recent achievements by the Commission. These include the successful adoption of the Jubutu Declaration on 9th April 2025 and Zambia’s landmark decision to abolish the death penalty. He also applauded Namibia for reaching gender parity in its government, with women now comprising 50% of both the presidency and vice presidency.
Hon. Lumbu also raised alarms about growing insecurity across the continent, citing terrorist threats and rebel activities. He called for urgent and unified action to prevent further atrocities and to ensure that Africa does not witness another genocide.
Information Minister Dr Ceesay representing Ministry of Justice © Askanwi
Speaking virtually, Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, emphasised the need to place human rights at the core of Africa’s development agenda. “If we do not safeguard human rights, we cannot overcome the challenges Africans face,” he said, drawing attention to food insecurity, conflict, torture, undemocratic regime changes, and economic instability. Charumbira reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to making human rights and accountability a central focus.
Representing the Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow, the Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, reiterated The Gambia’s unwavering support for the Commission. He explained that the ACHPR is guided by seven commissioners and an executive secretary who oversees its administrative and financial operations.
Dr Ceesay emphasised the government’s commitment to recognising victims and survivors of human rights violations and taking concrete steps toward justice and reconciliation. He acknowledged that while progress has been made, significant challenges persist—particularly in tackling gender-based violence and pursuing comprehensive legal reform.
He concluded with a powerful call to action: “No longer should we sit idly by while those who fight for justice are targeted with violence and assassinations. We must continue to demand justice for them and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The ACHPR’s 83rd Ordinary Session is expected to produce meaningful resolutions that will advance human rights, justice, and sustainable peace throughout the African continent.
Delegates at the opening © Askanwi
