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African Union

Reporting, analysis and field notes from a pan-African feminist network — across women's rights, SRHR, civic space, climate justice, peace and security.

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RFLD update: our panel joins the African Commission’s main agenda in Dakar Women's Rights
September 21, 2026 Africa

RFLD update: our panel joins the African Commission’s main agenda in Dakar

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) will participate in the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Dakar, October 2026, with a focus on protecting women human rights defenders from sexual exploitation and harassment across Africa. Their main panel, titled “Defending without being exposed,” aims to address recognition, protection, funding, and legal frameworks that support these defenders. RFLD, comprising 670 organizations in over 35 countries, brings 40 defenders to engage the Commission directly, emphasizing collaboration to safeguard their rights and amplify women’s voices in human rights advocacy.

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The RFLD African Union Hub & Repository is Live! Human Rights
March 29, 2026 Africa

The RFLD African Union Hub & Repository is Live!

As Africa Day 2026 approaches, RFLD is excited to launch the African Union Mechanisms Knowledge Hub, aimed at enhancing accountability across the continent. This hub serves as a comprehensive resource for civil society organizations (CSOs), helping them navigate the complexities of the African Union’s structure and apply its protocols for social change. Key features include insights on the AU’s institutional reforms, peace and security strategies, the African Peer Review Mechanism, police cooperation, and regional economic communities. Additionally, the platform offers advocacy tools and strategies for CSOs, particularly those led by youth and women, to enhance their influence in national and continental policies.

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How well do you know the ACDEG? Human Rights
March 28, 2026 Africa

How well do you know the ACDEG?

The RFLD ACDEG Hub offers an interactive Ratification Tracker for all 55 African Union Member States, enabling users to assess their countries’ commitments to democracy. Visitors can explore the 11 pillars of the African Charter and significant jurisprudence, enhancing their understanding of African democratic principles. The Hub includes a Mastery Assessment to test knowledge of the Charter’s 53 binding legal articles, encouraging users to challenge themselves through a quiz aimed at promoting accountability among leaders. This platform supports the study and advocacy of regional human rights case law, fostering a deeper engagement with democratic norms in Africa.

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RFLD at the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Human Rights
May 6, 2025 Africa

RFLD at the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

A delegation led by RFLD Human Rights Senior Officer Mr. John Gbenagnon is participating in the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia. RFLD promotes and protects the rights of women, youth, and minorities through partnerships and advocacy for gender policies. They focus on supporting Women Human Rights Defenders (W/HRDs) and facilitating collaboration among human rights organizations. Key activities include hosting side events on civic engagement, bilateral meetings with ACHPR Commissioners, and providing essential data for human rights violations. The RFLD’s mission centers on creating a secure environment for advocates across Africa.

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Message of Congratulations from the President of RFLD to H.E. Mr. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, President Elected of the African Union Commission Women's Rights
February 15, 2025 Africa

Message of Congratulations from the President of RFLD to H.E. Mr. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, President Elected of the African Union Commission

The Network of Women Leaders for Development congratulates H.E. Mr. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on his re-election as President of the African Union Commission. His extensive experience as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs highlights his commitment to African development, peace, and security. The letter emphasizes the importance of youth engagement and women’s empowerment in shaping Africa’s future and achieving sustainable development goals. Multilingualism is noted as a vital asset for fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders. The organization expresses its support for Youssouf’s vision and aims to collaborate for a prosperous and united Africa under his leadership.

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Félicitations à Mahamoud Ali Youssouf : Un Nouveau Départ pour l’Afrique Women's Rights
February 15, 2025 Africa

Félicitations à Mahamoud Ali Youssouf : Un Nouveau Départ pour l’Afrique

Le 15 février 2025, le Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) adresse ses félicitations à M. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf pour sa réélection à la présidence de la Commission de l’Union Africaine. Son expérience en diplomatie et ses efforts pour la sécurité en Afrique sont salués, notamment son prix de l’Union Européenne pour la lutte contre la piraterie. Le RFLD souligne l’importance de l’implication des jeunes et de l’autonomisation des femmes dans le développement local. Sous sa direction, une promotion de la justice sociale et de l’égalité est attendue, avec une collaboration essentielle entre divers acteurs pour un avenir prospère en Afrique.

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RFLD Joins the Support Group for the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders of the ACHPR (African Union) Human Rights
November 30, 2024 Africa

RFLD Joins the Support Group for the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders of the ACHPR (African Union)

The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) has officially joined the Support Group for the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders during the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This collaboration aims to amplify RFLD’s commitment to defending youth and women’s rights, focusing on capacity building, awareness raising, and advocacy for legislative reforms. The Support Group includes key human rights organizations and plays a pivotal role in ensuring protection for human rights defenders across Africa. RFLD aims to enhance civic space and freedom of expression while encouraging collective action towards these objectives.

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