Arusha, 4 February 2025: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has opened its 2025 Judicial Year with a call to action, underscoring a strong commitment to justice and ensuring those who have suffered harm receive proper redress across the continent.
The opening ceremony held under the theme “Advancing Justice through Reparations”, took place at the Seat of the Court in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, and was graced by His Excellency José Maria Pereira Neves, President of the Republic of Cape Verde, as the Guest of Honour.
In his keynote address, President Neves underscored the importance of addressing historical injustices that have shaped Africa’s socio-political landscape. He emphasized that reparations go beyond material compensation and should embrace a holistic approach, integrating fundamental pillars such as education, healthcare and cultural preservation.
“The issue of reparations is not just about financial compensation. It is about restoring dignity, investing in our people, and ensuring that the injustices of the past do not define our future. True reparatory justice must include social, economic, and political structures that empower African societies,” he stated.
Representing the African Union Commission (AUC), Her Excellency Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson, commended the African Court’s efforts in strengthening reparatory justice mechanisms. She reaffirmed the AU’s dedication to ensuring that 2025, designated as the Year of Reparations, leads to tangible outcomes for affected communities.
“Reparations are not about rewriting history but about confronting the injustices that persist. The AU remains committed to working alongside the African Court and all stakeholders to ensure that justice, dignity and equity prevail across the continent.” she said.
On her part, the President of the African Court, Hon. Lady-Justice Imani Daud Aboud, reiterated the Court’s unwavering commitment to providing legal clarity and pathways for reparatory justice. She stressed that reparations are a vital part of the judicial process, ensuring that victims of human rights violations receive meaningful redress.
“The African Court remains resolute in its mission to protect human and peoples’ rights and advance justice. The opening of the Judicial Year serves as a solemn reminder of our duty to ensure that reparations become an integral part of justice delivery across the continent,” she stated.
Goodwill statements were also delivered by the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Eswatini who is also the President of the Southern and Eastern Africa Conference of Chief Justices – Honourable Bheki M. C. Maphalala, Presiding Officer of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Mr. Khalid Boudali, and Chairperson of Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), Dr Joseph Whittal.
The event brought together leaders and representatives of African Union Member States, international, regional and national Courts, African Union organs with a human rights mandate, national human rights institutions, legal professionals and Bar Associations, to underscore the pivotal role of reparations in advancing justice.
As part of the ceremony, the Court hosted a Judicial Seminar on “Rendering Justice for Women through Reparations,” bringing together legal scholars, experts, and advocates who discussed how reparations address historical inequalities and human rights violations affecting women.
The Opening of the 2025 Judicial Year also marked the commencement of the 76th Ordinary Session of the Court, running from 3 to 28 February 2025 at its Seat in Arusha, Tanzania.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is a continental court established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa. The Court is an organ of the African Union and it complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights which is based in Banjul, The Gambia.
- The Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity. The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions.
- Each year, the Court launches its activities with a solemn ceremony to official opening of its judicial year, underscoring its commitment to the protection of human and peoples’ rights across Africa and beyond. The opening sets the tone for the year ahead and serves as a call to action for meaningful strides in safeguarding the fundamental rights of all Africans.
Further information on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org
For further inquiries: Dr Robert Eno, Registrar – Robert.Eno@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Chipiliro Kansilanga, Senior Information & Communication Officer
(Head of Communication Unit) Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org or AfricanCourtMedia@african-court.org
