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ACHPR83: Ethiopia must ensure an enabling environment for defenders and civil society

At the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission, or ACHPR), the African Commission reviewed Ethiopia under the State reporting procedure, as per article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. We call on Ethiopia to do more to protect human rights defenders in the country.

ACHPR83: ISHR urges stronger protection for human rights defenders across Africa

On 8 May 2025, during the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), ISHR delivered a statement under Item 5, which focused on the activity report of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. The statement reaffirmed ISHR’s strong commitment to the protection and empowerment of defenders across Africa.

ACHPR83: Human rights as an imperative for people-centered sustainable development in Africa

On 5 and 6 May 2025, during its 83rd Ordinary Session, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) held the second joint forum of its special mechanisms. It serves as an opportunity to bring actors from various backgrounds to discuss the possibility of converging human rights and sustainable development for the benefit of Africans.

ACHPR83: ISHR calls for peace in the DRC and law to protect defenders in Zambia

At the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, held in Banjul (The Gambia) from 2 May to 22 May, ISHR delivered an oral statement calling for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the continuation of the process toward a human rights defenders protection law in Zambia, reparations for Africans and people of African descent, and a binding treaty on environmental rights in Africa.

ACHPR83: Protecting human rights defenders from violence

Human rights defenders (HRDs) are facing safety issues in Africa. Their commitment to human rights exposes them to serious risks of human rights violations. Recognising the important role of defenders in the effectiveness of human rights in African States, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights dedicated the first panel of its 83rd Ordinary Session to look at ways to 'silence violence against African defenders'.

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