Arusha, 2 November 2026: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights will convene a Colloquium on 11–12 November 2026 at its seat in Arusha, Tanzania, to examine its contribution to human rights protection over the past twenty years and consider priorities for its third decade.
The Colloquium, which will be held under the theme “Reflecting on the Past, Assessing the Present and Reimagining the Future of Human Rights Protection in Africa” is part of the Court’s 20th Anniversary celebrations. It will take place in a hybrid format.
The event will bring together current and former Judges of the Court, current and former Commissioners of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, representatives of the African Union and its organs, and judges from regional and international courts. Academics, legal practitioners, civil society representatives, representatives from national human rights institutions, national focal points, publishers and development partners.
The Colloquium will revisit defining moments in the Court’s 20 -year journey and examine how its landmark judgments and advisory opinions have shaped human rights law, influenced national laws and strengthened accountability across Africa.
Discussions will also focus on the challenges the Court must overcome in its third decade including expanding ratification of its founding Protocol, widening access for individuals and non-governmental organisations, securing implementation of its judgments, and strengthening its resources and public visibility.
The programme will further examine the role of legal scholarship, publishing and law reporting in making the Court’s decisions more accessible and widely understood. Participants will consider emerging human rights issues and the priorities that should guide the Court’s future work.
The Colloquium is expected to produce recommendations to strengthen the Court’s effectiveness, accessibility and impact, as well as the wider African human rights system. Its discussions will also contribute to a report of proceedings and a commemorative publication on twenty years of the Court’s work.
Proceedings at the event will be conducted in English and French.
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 complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- 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.
- The Court’s mandate includes hearing cases and disputes concerning the interpretation and application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as any other human rights instrument ratified by the concerned States.
- The year 2026 marks twenty years since the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights became operational in 2006. The anniversary celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on its contribution to human rights protection in Africa and consider priorities for its third decade. The Colloquium forms part of a series of commemorative activities held throughout the year.
Further information on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org Telephone: +255 680 500 555
For further inquiries: Registrar, Dr Robert Eno – Registrar@african-court.org
For Colloquium inquiries: Dr Mwiza Nkhata Principal Legal Officer and Head of Research and Capacity Building Mwiza.Nkhata@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Ms. Chipiliro Kansilanga Ngue – Senior Information & Communication Officer and Head of Communication Unit Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org
