· Climate Justice
Article 15 of the Maputo Protocol explained
What Article 15 of the Maputo Protocol says about women’s access to clean drinking water, and how it links to the rest of the treaty.
The RFLD Newsroom · News, analysis, field notesLa salle de presse du RFLD · Actualités, analyses, notes de terrain
Dispatches from a network of 1,143 women-led organisationsLes nouvelles d’un réseau de 1 143 organisations dirigées par des femmes
Reporting, analysis and field notes from members in more than 35 African countries, on women’s rights, SRHR, civic space, climate justice, peace and security. Articles appear in the language they were written in.Reportages, analyses et notes de terrain de nos membres dans plus de 35 pays africains, sur les droits des femmes, la DSSR, l’espace civique, la justice climatique, la paix et la sécurité. Les articles paraissent dans leur langue de rédaction.
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· Climate Justice
Why water is a women’s rights issue in Africa
RFLD’s policy brief shows how Article 15 of the Maputo Protocol makes access to clean water a binding right for women in Africa.
· Human Rights
Working with the Special Rapporteur on women’s rights, now and next
The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa is a key ally for shadow reporters, and will monitor the new AU Convention on violence.
· Human Rights
Running a shadow reporting workshop with RFLD’s manual
RFLD’s manual includes a ready-made workshop agenda, exercises and a self-assessment rubric. How to use them to train a coalition.
· Human Rights
Do shadow reports change anything? Lessons from African cases
Shadow reports rarely change laws alone, yet they contribute. RFLD’s manual looks at cases from Mauritius, Kenya, Malawi and Namibia.
· Human Rights
General Comments: the Commission’s own guide to the Maputo Protocol
The African Commission’s General Comments explain what the Maputo Protocol requires. Shadow reports can use them to raise the bar.
· Human Rights
Using shadow reports to challenge reservations to the Maputo Protocol
Nine States hold reservations or declarations on the Maputo Protocol. Shadow reports can push for their withdrawal at each review.
· Human Rights
Reusing Maputo Protocol evidence for CEDAW and the UPR
One evidence base can serve the African Commission and the United Nations. RFLD’s manual compares the rules and shows how to adapt.
· Human Rights
The reporting gap in numbers: who reports on the Maputo Protocol?
Only 21 of 45 States Parties had ever reported under the Maputo Protocol by October 2024. A look at the figures behind the gap.
· Human Rights
When States stay silent: the Commission’s proactive approach
Some States have not reported to the African Commission for decades. Resolution 566 gives civil society evidence a role even then.
· Human Rights
After the session: turning concluding observations into change
Concluding observations only matter if someone pushes for them. RFLD’s manual sets out a follow-up plan for the months after a review.
· Human Rights
How to deliver an oral statement at the African Commission
A few minutes at the microphone can carry a shadow report into the session room. RFLD’s manual offers a 350-word statement template.
· Human Rights
Advocacy around an African Commission session: a practical guide
A shadow report is the start. RFLD’s manual explains how to brief Commissioners and use the NGO Forum to make the evidence count.
· Human Rights
Observer and affiliate status at the African Commission explained
Do you need observer status to engage the African Commission? RFLD’s manual explains observer and affiliate status and what each allows.
· Human Rights
Suggesting questions Commissioners can put to a State delegation
The African Commission has no formal list of issues. Well-drafted questions in a shadow report help shape the dialogue with the State.
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A short summary of results, open calls and partnership opportunities across the network, in English or French. Journalists can find our boilerplate and approved facts in the press kit.Un court résumé des résultats, des appels ouverts et des possibilités de partenariat dans le réseau, en français ou en anglais. Les journalistes trouveront notre présentation type et nos chiffres approuvés dans le kit presse.
John Gbenagnon
Director of Strategy and DevelopmentDirecteur de la stratégie et du développement
gbenagnon.john@rflgd.org
Funder briefingNote aux bailleurs