{"id":24745,"date":"2026-10-08T10:56:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T07:56:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.african-court.org\/afchpr\/?p=24745"},"modified":"2026-10-08T11:57:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T08:57:59","slug":"the-african-court-on-human-and-peoples-rights-afchpr-and-the-african-unions-economic-social-and-cultural-council-ecosocc-to-engage-citizens-on-the-courts-20th-anniversa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.african-court.org\/afchpr\/the-african-court-on-human-and-peoples-rights-afchpr-and-the-african-unions-economic-social-and-cultural-council-ecosocc-to-engage-citizens-on-the-courts-20th-anniversa\/","title":{"rendered":"The African Court on Human and Peoples\u2019 Rights and the African Union\u2019s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) to engage citizens on the Court\u2019s 20th anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arusha, 1 October 2026:<\/em><\/strong> The African Court on Human and Peoples\u2019 Rights (AfCHPR), in collaboration with the African Union\u2019s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), will host a virtual colloquium to engage African citizens in assessing the work and shaping the future of the Court as it commemorates 20 years of protecting human rights in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the theme \u201cReimagining the African Court after Twenty Years\u201d<\/em><\/strong>, the Colloquium will provide a platform for citizens to share their perspectives on the Court\u2019s achievements, challenges and priorities for the next two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event is scheduled for 26 October 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. East African Time (GMT+3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed as \u201cA Frank Talk with the Citizens\u201d<\/strong>, the Colloquium will offer an opportunity to African citizens to reflect on the Court\u2019s work over the past two decades and propose practical ways to make it more accessible, effective and responsive to the needs of African people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ahead of the event, the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Blaise Tchikaya, emphasised the importance of giving citizens a voice in determining the Court\u2019s priorities for the next twenty years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Court was established to serve the African people. Their experiences and expectations must help shape its future. This colloquium is an opportunity to listen to citizens and hear their proposals on how we can strengthen access to justice and the protection of human and peoples\u2019 rights,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat, Ambassador William Carew, said the Colloquium would give citizens and civil society a platform to shape practical, actionable recommendations for strengthening the Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCivil society works alongside communities every day and understands the real barriers people face in seeking justice. Those lived experiences must be at the heart of this discussion. \u201cThrough this Colloquium, we want citizens to put forward concrete proposals that can guide action by the Court, the African Union and civil society alike,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discussions will focus on three areas: the Court\u2019s effectiveness and State compliance with its decisions; the responsible use of technology and artificial intelligence to engage citizens; and priorities for the Court\u2019s next twenty years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussions are expected to inform a \u201cCitizens\u2019 Statement on Reimagining the African Court\u201d<\/em>, with recommendations to the African Union, the Court and civil society organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event will be open to African citizens on the continent and in the diaspora, human rights lawyers, civil society organisations, academics, students, journalists and digital creators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure diversity and accessibility, simultaneous interpretation will be available in all six official languages of the African Union; Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants will be required to register in advance. Registration details are indicated below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date:<\/strong> 26 October 2026
Time:<\/strong> 11:00 a.m. \u2013 5:00 p.m. East African Time (EAT \/ GMT+3)
Platform:<\/strong> Virtual \u2013 Zoom
Registration:<\/strong> https:\/\/zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_wJT1XYH5Tr2qj6KNXqOxMA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTES FOR EDITORS<\/u>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The African Court on Human and People\u2019s Rights is a continental court established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa. The Court complements the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and aims to enhance the protection of human rights on the African continent. 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.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) is an advisory and consultative Organ of the African Union established in July 2004. It provides a platform for civil society organisations, including social and professional groups across Africa and the diaspora, to contribute to the AU\u2019s policies and programmes. Its Secretariat is based in Lusaka, Zambia. ECOSOCC strengthens partnerships between African governments and civil society, giving citizens a voice in shaping the continent\u2019s future. Its membership includes non-governmental and community-based organisations, professional associations, cultural organisations and groups representing women, young people and other sections of society. https:\/\/ecosocc.au.int\/<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Further information on the African Court and ECOSSOC can be obtained from:<\/em><\/strong>

    Dr. Robert Eno, Registrar, African Court: <\/em>    Robert.Eno@african-court.org<\/em><\/a>
    ECOSOCC Secretariat: <\/em>    ECOSSOCC@africanunion.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    —————————————————————————————<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For partnerships, media & communication inquiries:<\/em><\/strong>

    Ms. Chipiliro Liyana Kansilanga, Senior Information & Communication Officer, African Court:<\/em>
    Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ms. Carol Jilombo, Senior Communications Officer, AU-ECOSSOC<\/em>
    Jilomboc@africanunion.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n