Participating in the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia, was a profound experience for the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) delegation. Comprising eight representatives from Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, our team aimed to engage with critical issues surrounding human rights, particularly focusing on the role of women in civic spaces.
Under the leadership of Mr. John Gbenagnon, RFLD’s Senior Officer on Human Rights and Civic Space, our delegation engaged with various stakeholders, including the ACHPR’s Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu.
This reflection captures the essence of our participation, the significant events we organized, and the insights gained regarding the resilience of civic space in Africa.
The session in Banjul took place against a backdrop of increasing challenges faced by civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa. Many countries in the region are experiencing a decline in democratic governance, characterized by government repression, restrictions on peaceful assembly, and the rising use of technology to surveil and suppress dissent. Women’s rights are particularly at risk, with gender-based violence and systemic discrimination posing substantial barriers to equality and justice.
RFLD’s mission is to empower women and girls, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. Our participation in the ACHPR session was aimed at advocating for gender equality and the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs), particularly women in vulnerable situations.
During the plenary of the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia, the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) presented a vital statement highlighting the pressing human rights concerns in the ECOWAS subregion. This statement was read by Paul Osei Kouffour, WADEMOS Project Officer, who was part of RFLD’s delegation. In his address, he emphasized RFLD’s commitment to ending discrimination and violence against women and girls, while also acknowledging the collaborative efforts with WADEMOS to counter democratic backsliding across West Africa.
The statement expressed profound concerns over the rising wave of human rights violations, particularly violent crackdowns on protests, illegal arrests, and restrictions on media freedom. It underscored the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Sahel, exacerbated by terrorist insurgencies and climate change, which have led to widespread human rights abuses, including gender-based violence. RFLD and WADEMOS called for decisive action from the African Commission, urging it to conduct country missions to investigate these abuses and advocate for respect for human rights and democratic principles. The delegation concluded with a hopeful vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in protecting rights and freedoms in West Africa.
One of the pivotal moments of our participation was the engagement with Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu. His address highlighted the essential role of HRDs in promoting human rights and democracy. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between HRDs and the ACHPR, particularly in addressing the myriad challenges faced by activists across the continent. This dialogue reinforced our understanding that successful advocacy requires not only persistence but also strategic partnerships with key institutions.
In addition to engaging with the ACHPR, RFLD organized a side event titled “Building a Resilient Civic Space in Africa: Freedom of Peaceful Assembly.” This event brought together human rights defenders, civil society representatives, and international organizations to discuss critical challenges facing civil society activism. The discussions centered around the need for robust legal frameworks that protect the right to peaceful assembly and the importance of fostering an environment where civic engagement can thrive.
The Side Event: Building Resilience in Civic Space
The side event on October 18, 2024, highlighted the urgent need for resilience within civic spaces across Africa. Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) partnered on October 19, 2024 with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, CIVICUS, The Centre for Human Rights, and IHRDA to host a significant side event in Banjul, The Gambia, on October 18th. The event, titled “Building a Resilient Civic Space in Africa: Freedom of Peaceful Assembly,” brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including human rights defenders, civil society representatives, and international organizations, to discuss and address the pressing challenges facing civil society activism across the continent.
Participants shared personal stories and experiences, illustrating the diverse challenges faced by HRDs, especially women. The dialogue emphasized that freedom of peaceful assembly is not merely a legal right but a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Key points raised during the discussions included:
- The State of Civic Space in Africa: The event began with a comprehensive overview of the current state of civic space across the continent, highlighting both positive developments and areas of concern. Participants discussed the challenges faced by civil society organizations in various countries, including restrictions on freedom of association, arbitrary arrests, and the use of surveillance to monitor activists.
- The Role of Peaceful Assembly in Democratic Governance: The importance of peaceful assembly as a fundamental right was emphasized, and its role in promoting democratic governance and accountability was explored. Participants discussed how peaceful protests and demonstrations can serve as powerful tools for citizens to voice their concerns, demand change, and hold governments accountable.
- Threats to Civic Space and Strategies for Protection: The event delved into the various threats to civic space, including government repression, social unrest, and the misuse of technology. Participants discussed strategies for protecting civic space, such as strengthening legal frameworks, promoting international solidarity, and building the capacity of civil society organizations.
- The Role of Technology in Civic Activism: The impact of technology on civic activism was explored, with a focus on both the opportunities and challenges it presents. Participants discussed the potential of social media and other digital tools for mobilizing citizens, disseminating information, and organizing peaceful protests. They also addressed the risks of online surveillance and censorship.
- International Cooperation and Solidarity: The importance of international cooperation and solidarity in supporting civic space in Africa was highlighted. Participants discussed the role of regional and international organizations in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as the importance of fostering partnerships between civil society organizations from different countries.
The WADEMOS and RFLD Side Event on West African Defenders
Another significant aspect of our participation was the convening held by WADEMOS and RFLD on October 19, focusing on a recent study that provided critical insights into the experiences of women HRDs in West Africa, particularly in countries facing significant democratic vulnerabilities.
RFLD President, Agueh Dossi Gloria, articulated the importance of prioritizing women’s rights within the broader human rights agenda, stating, “Women’s rights are human rights.” Her leadership reinforced our collective commitment to advocating for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across West Africa.
Dr. Michael Akagbor, Senior Programs Officer at CDD and a Human Rights Expert, presented the key findings and recommendations of the report. He highlighted the increasing recognition of HRDs as essential actors in driving social and political change, while also acknowledging the significant risks they face.
The report, titled “The Situation of Human Rights Defenders in West Africa,” analyzed the challenges faced by HRDs in ten West African countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Togo, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal.
Key findings included:
- Harassment and Restrictions: HRDs are frequently subjected to harassment, intimidation, and restrictions on their freedoms of expression, association, and assembly.
- State Capture of Media: In several countries, state capture of the media limits the ability of HRDs to disseminate information and hold authorities accountable.
To address these challenges, the report recommended several actions, including:
- Strengthening the Role of the ACHPR: The ACHPR should increase its efforts to protect HRDs through periodic visits to member states, issuing reports on the situation of HRDs, and advocating for their rights.
- Developing an ECOWAS Protocol: ECOWAS should develop a protocol for the protection of HRDs to provide a stronger legal framework for their work.
The Africa Engage 2024 Hackathon
On the sidelines of the ACHPR session, RFLD also organized a Hackaton with a consortium of organizations, including Magamba Network, Defend Defenders, and CIVICUS. The hackathon focused on developing innovative digital solutions to improve accessibility to human rights tools and mechanisms.
The hackathon’s objectives included:
– Fostering Collaboration: By bringing together developers, activists, and the general public, the event aimed to create a synergy that would yield actionable solutions to pressing human rights issues.
– Promoting Innovation: Participants were encouraged to think creatively about how technology can be utilized to strengthen human rights advocacy and enhance civic engagement.
The outcomes of the hackathon were promising, with several prototypes developed that addressed specific challenges faced by HRDs, such as secure communication tools and platforms for reporting human rights violations.
Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu underscored the hackathon as a platform that fosters creativity and collaboration among diverse participants, uniting developers, activists, and human rights advocates. He noted that this diversity enriches the solutions generated, as teams bring unique perspectives and contextual knowledge to the table. The hackathon serves not only as a competitive event but as a collaborative space where innovative ideas can take root, ultimately leading to impactful tools that empower citizens.
A focal point of Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu’s address was the role of Special Rapporteurs and their mechanisms within the broader context of human rights advocacy. He explained that these rapporteurs are crucial in monitoring human rights situations and reporting on violations. However, their effectiveness depends largely on the availability of accurate and timely information from the ground. The solutions developed during the hackathon can play a pivotal role in enhancing this information flow.
Winner: Tiriig Technology
The announcement that Tiriig Technology from Somaliland had won the first prize was met with applause and cheers. Their innovative mobile app platform, which facilitates seamless offline access to vital human rights information, stood out for its practicality and potential for widespread impact. Hon. Ngoy Lumbu praised the team for their dedication to empowering citizens and emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to their rights, regardless of their circumstances.
Second Place: Fahamu Haki Zako
In a close competition, the second place was awarded to Fahamu Haki Zako from Kenya. Their web-based platform, powered by Llama Gen AI, was recognized for its groundbreaking approach to simplifying legal language and making human rights instruments more accessible. The judges commended the team for their innovative use of technology to enhance legal literacy, which could have far-reaching implications for individuals seeking to understand their rights.
Third Place: African Rights Access Network (AFRANET)
The third prize went to African Rights Access Network (AFRANET) from Nigeria. Their concept of providing 24/7 access to human rights resources, combined with a data-driven approach to monitoring social injustices, resonated deeply with the judges. The team was praised for addressing a critical need in their region and for their commitment to educating individuals about their rights.
During the announcement, Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu expressed his admiration for the efforts of CHARM and its partners in advancing human rights in Africa. He emphasized the need for increased awareness and the adoption of digital tools to empower individuals to recognize and assert their rights. His remarks served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in human rights advocacy and the crucial role that technology can play in overcoming these obstacles.
Our participation in the 81st Ordinary Session of the ACHPR in Banjul was a transformative experience that underscored the importance of collaboration, resilience, and innovation in the face of escalating challenges to human rights in Africa. The engagements with key stakeholders, the organization of critical events, and the innovative solutions developed during the hackathon all contributed to a greater understanding of the current landscape of human rights advocacy in the region.
As RFLD moves forward, we remain committed to empowering women and advocating for their rights, ensuring that their voices are heard in all spheres of society. The insights gained from this session will guide our ongoing efforts to build resilient civic spaces, protect HRDs, and promote gender equality in West Africa. Together, we can create a future where human rights are upheld, and every individual can exercise their freedoms without fear of repression.
In reflecting on this journey, it is clear that the fight for human rights is not just a struggle for the few, but a collective endeavor that requires the participation and commitment of all stakeholders involved. We are inspired to continue our advocacy, fueled by the connections made and the knowledge shared during our time in Banjul. The road ahead may be challenging, but with resilience and solidarity, we can pave the way for a more just and equitable society.
