Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 29 July 2026: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has called for stronger efforts by African Union Member States and other stakeholders to make justice more accessible to all Africans and strengthen the protection of human rights across the continent.
Representing the Court during the 2026 ECOSOCC Citizens’ Forum held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Registrar of the Court Dr. Robert Eno, called on Member States to ratify the Protocol establishing the Court and fully implement its judgments.
He also encouraged States Parties to deposit or redeposit the declaration under Article 34(6), allowing individuals and eligible non-governmental organisations to bring cases directly before the Court.
In addition, Dr Eno highlighted the important role of civil society in helping citizens understand and access the African human rights system.
“Civil society must reimagine an African Court, not as a court of last resort for States, but as a first refuge for citizens; as a court for the people and not just about the people; not as a distant court in Arusha, but as a home where every ordinary African can seek justice and be heard,” he said.
The Forum also provided an opportunity to mark the 20th anniversary of the operationalisation of the African Court (2006 -2026).
Dr. Eno shared on the Court’s contribution over the past two decades in promoting justice, strengthening the rule of law and protecting human and peoples’ rights across Africa.
He said the Court’s success should not be measured only by the number of judgments it delivers, but also by whether people can access justice and whether Member States implement its decisions.
“The African human rights system only becomes real when ordinary citizens can knock on its door,” he said.
The 2026 ECOSOCC Citizens’ Forum focused on turning dialogue into action by exploring practical ways to strengthen citizen participation, improve governance and ensure that Africa’s priorities are reflected in decisions affecting the continent.
