25 – 27 April 2024 (Dakar, Senegal) – The inaugural Joint Special Mechanism Forum was held under the theme “Advancing the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Africa: Strengthening Commitments, Overcoming Challenges, and Reinforcing Opportunities,” marking a deliberate and progressive step for furthering the human rights agenda in Africa. The Forum brought together Human Rights Activists, Legal professionals and delegates from all over the continent.
The Forum was a significant success enabling stakeholders to raise their voices to the alarming increase of reprisals against legal practitioners and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), this in turn resulted in the recognition of this critical issue in the Forum’s declaration. Additionally, a need to strengthen strong working synergies and alliances with key African Commission on Human Rights (ACHPR) officials, including the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Executive Secretary was high on the agenda.
Key objectives included addressing reprisals against lawyers, judges, and human rights defenders (HRDs) in Africa, and establishing robust working relationships with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of the judiciary in Africa and the ACHPR’s Secretariat.
The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) actively participated in a panel titled “Discussions on the Impact, Progress, and Challenges of Soft Law Instruments and Jurisprudence of the ACHPR.” PALU was represented by Mr. Salieu Taal, former President of the Gambian Bar Association who gave meaningful contributions to the role of lawyers in implementing human rights at the national level.
Ms. Ruth Ogbewekon, who was also representing PALU, underscored the recent reprisals against HRDs, posing it as a significant challenge to the enforcement of human rights standards across Africa. Her remarks prompted a response from the Special Rapporteur, who acknowledged the challenge and highlighted ongoing efforts to address these issues.
The Forum stands as a clear testament to the collective resolve of Africa’s legal fraternity to protect and promote human rights. Through focused dialogue, strategic partnerships, and committed advocacy, can human rights mechanisms across the continent be strengthened.