BY: MODOU SARR
The 87th Ordinary Session of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights was on Monday 11th May opened in Banjul, The Gambia..
The convergence brought together government officials, human rights experts, diplomats, civil society organisations and regional stakeholders committed to the promotion and protection of human rights across Africa. The public session market another milestone for the country as delegates deliberate on human rights issues, justice systems, democracy and the rule of law for the coming ten days.
In his opening remarks, Dawda A. Jallow Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Gambia reaffirm his government commitment to justice sector reforms, the rule of law and the advancement of human rights.
Abiola Idowu Oja Executive Secretary of the commission in her welcoming remarks emphasized the importance of collective commitment towards the entrenchment of human rights institutions and advancing justice across the continent.
Statements were also delivered by Mrs Hannah Forster representing the NGO Steering committee, the network of African National Human Rights Institutions chaired by James Monaugue Kobila and the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights Kaja Ollangnen.
Idrissa Sow Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights delve on the importance of continued cooperation among African States and institutions in safeguarding human rights and accountability.
The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights was established in terms of Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and it came in to force on 21st October 1981. The commission is composed of 11 commissioners
The commission which has its headquarters in Banjul, The Gambia became operational in 1987. It holds two ordinary sessions a year and it also holds extra ordinary sessions as the needs arises. The commission has held eighty – four (84) ordinary sessions with October 2025 marking the 85th ordinary sessions and thirty – eight (38) extra ordinary sessions since its inception.
