Panelists during the side-event of the launch of ACHPR e-learning module, Banjul, The Gambia. Photo credits: Muhammed Bah
On the 1st May 2025, ISHR was proud to present its new online course focused on the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and gather live feedback from civil society organisations ahead of the Ordinary Session in Banjul, The Gambia.
Despite a significant increase of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) participation in the last few years, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) tools remain under-used by human rights defenders and activists, due to lack of awareness and knowledge of the possibilities regarding for instance Communications, State Reporting Procedures, Special Mechanisms etc. It is to fill this gap that the International Service for Human Rights collaborated with people and organisations who defend rights in Africa to create a dedicated online, self-paced and free module on how to engage at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
After a massive campaign on social media, ISHR took the opportunity of the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission held in-person in Banjul in order to present, test and receive feedback from first-hand users on this tool. Another objective of this side-event was also to provide tips on how to use it effectively depending on the context and more generally to exchange with the audience on civil society access at the ACHPR.
HRDs go at ACHPR but they don’t know where to start. This module is an opportunity to establish clear and meaningful advocacy goals, and even for ourselves, who engage constantly, to be reminded of the procedures.Joseph Bikanda, DefendDefenders
Moderated by Antoine Tremblay from ISHR, the event started by an entertaining quiz to test the knowledge of the participants on the African Commission with question such as ‘who can submit a Communication?’, ‘what are the tasks of the Special Mechanisms’ or ‘do you need consultative status to participate and engage at ACHPR’? (if you’re not sure about the answer, take on the course here). Salomé Boucif (ISHR’s Training Manager) then explained how to better use and disseminate the course depending on the resources available, knowledge, country situation and gave advice on how to make the best of it.
Joseph Bikanda, coordinator of the Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network (member of our need assessment process in building the module) talked more generally on the need for CSOs in all the regions in Africa to engage in this unique space to achieve advocacy objectives and work in coalition with fellows NGOs. He stressed that capacity-development activities like this to sustain defenders’ participation, enhance advocacy and even refresh knowledge for those present in the space for a long time. He also highlighted the importance of the simplicity of the tool, and diversification of resources.
Many thanks to ISHR for proposing this and congratulations on the launch of such an important resource. As adults and busy workers, it is important to ensure that we engage with a user-friendly content which can be taken on independently.A participant from REDHAC
A discussion took place after to exchange on lived experiences at the African Commission from participants in the room and gather first opinions and potential improvements, before a forthcoming translation into French. Participants congratulated ISHR for launching this timely and needed resource and praised the efforts put in the creation of additional pedagogical handouts, such as scenarios and short guidance on how to organise a side-event.
They informed the team of their willingness to disseminate and also suggested having offline versions of the content and a developed section on the implementation of the resolutions voted, a crucial step after a long-term advocacy plan. Finally, they all added that they will value a space in which they can add their own experience such as a feedback form.
ISHR reiterates its gratitude to the audience for the meaningful discussions and hopes that many human rights defenders will benefit from this e-learning.
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