Aggie Dennett Harmon

On Saturday, the NGO Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR89) came to a close, bringing three days of dialogue, learning, advocacy, and collective action to an end. The Forum brought together more than 350 participants from across the globe. Human rights defenders, civil society organisations, legal experts, and other stakeholders convened to reflect on pressing human rights concerns, exchange experiences, and develop collective recommendations for engagement with the African Commission. Held under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the Forum highlighted the importance of access to water and safe sanitation as fundamental human rights. It also created space for discussions on the broader challenges affecting human rights, democracy, and civic space across the continent. Listen to Faith and @AdamuUsmanGarko , two mentees under our Roots of Resilience Mentorship Program, as they share their experiences from Day 2 of the Forum and reflect on the conversations that stood out for them. Maria Kaddu, @CharmAfric Coordinator, also reflects on how the consortium’s engagement in the Forum supports its mission to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of journalists, human rights defenders and their organisations, helping to foster more democratic societies. The Forum’s final day featured presentations from special interest groups and the submission of recommendations to the Commission. The day's deliberations culminated in the adoption of nine thematic resolutions, including those addressing the protection of human rights defenders, transnational repression, enforced disappearances, and freedom of religion or belief, as well as three country specific resolutions on Somalia, Guinea Bissau, and Madagascar. Later today at the opening of the 89th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, these resolutions will be presented to the Commission for consideration. The Commission retains the mandate and authority to determine whether and how the resolutions will be advanced within its own processes. As our delegation participates in ACHPR89, our advocacy continues, ensuring that the priorities and concerns raised during the Forum remain firmly on the continental human rights agenda. #DDatACHPR89 #ADatACHPR89