African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights

02/06/2026

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights has officially opened its 81st Ordinary Session, which will run from 1–26 June 2026 at the Court’s Seat in Arusha, Tanzania.

Over the coming weeks, the Court will consider a number of cases and judicial matters before it.

The Court will also continue activities marking its 20th Anniversary under the year-long commemoration.

On 5 June 2026, the Court will deliver four judgments adopted during its 80th Ordinary Session.

Stay connected for updates and key outcomes from the Session.

28/05/2026

22/05/2026

À l’approche de la Journée de l’Afrique ( ), le 25 mai 2026, la Cour africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples, en tant qu’organe de l’Union africaine, se joint au continent pour célébrer cet événement important.

Saviez-vous que les discours et déclarations prononcés lors du premier sommet de l’Organisation de l’unité africaine ( ) en mai 1963 sont entièrement accessibles ?

Ils offrent un aperçu saisissant de la vision qui a façonné le continent et continuent d’inviter à la réflexion sur notre situation actuelle.

Leurs paroles restent à la fois un guide et un appel à l’action pour la poursuite du progrès en Afrique.

Voici un lien vers l’intégralité des et du 25 mai 1963.

https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/44438-doc-AUECHO_2023_SPECIAL_EDITION_SPEECHES.pdf

22/05/2026

As on 25 May 2026 draws near, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, as an organ of the African Union Union, joins the continent in marking this important occasion.

Did you know that the speeches and statements delivered at the first Organization of African Unity Summit in May 1963 are fully accessible?

They offer a powerful glimpse into the vision that shaped the continent and continue to invite reflection on where we stand today.

Their words remain both a guide and a call to action for Africa’s continued progress.

Here’s a link to the full and from 25 May 1963.

https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/44438-doc-AUECHO_2023_SPECIAL_EDITION_SPEECHES.pdf

15/05/2026

Staff of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights from across all Departments and Units this week participated in a Technical Validation Workshop on the Draft Strategic Plan (2026–2028), jointly refining the Court’s strategic direction for the next three years.

Deputy Registrar of the Court Grace Wakio Kakai encouraged staff to take ownership of the strategy, noting:

“We must take full ownership of this strategy and truly see it as our own....its success will depend on how effectively we translate it into results through our collective efforts.”

Developed under the theme “Protecting Human Rights in Africa: A Shared Responsibility,” the draft plan signals a shift towards a more results-driven and impact-focused approach.

It is structured around three pillars: judicial impact, continental cooperation and institutional resilience.

The validation builds on earlier discussions held in November 2025 in Nairobi and comes at a pivotal moment as the Court marks its 20th Anniversary.

12/05/2026

The Vice President of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights Hon. Lady Justice Chafika Bensaoula, recently delivered a Public Lecture at the Institut National d’Etudes de Stratégie Globale (INESG) in Algeria during a high-level discussion on the restitution of cultural property and reparations for historical injustices.

During the engagement, Justice Bensaoula highlighted the importance of legal and institutional mechanisms in addressing historical injustices, strengthening African positions and advancing the rights of African peoples.

She also shared insights on the mandate and role of the African Court in protecting human and peoples’ rights across the continent.

The Lecture formed part of the African Court’s 20th Anniversary outreach activities aimed at promoting dialogue and deepening public understanding of the African human rights system.

Through these anniversary initiatives, Judges of the Court are engaging universities and institutions across African Union Member States on the mandate and work of the Court.

12/05/2026

Hon. Justice Stella Anukam, Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights recently engaged students and academia at Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria, through a Public Lecture held as part of the Court’s Anniversary activities commemorating 20 years of protecting human and peoples’ rights in Africa.

During the engagement, she highlighted the mandate and jurisprudence of the Court and encouraged students, academics and citizens to make use of the African human rights system, emphasizing that the Court is open and accessible to all.

Justice Anukam also distributed anniversary-branded souvenirs to participants to encourage continued connection and engagement with the Court.

01/05/2026

Aujourd’hui, la Cour africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples se joint au continent pour saluer le dévouement, la résilience et la contribution des travailleurs dans la construction d’institutions et de sociétés plus fortes.

Alors que nous célébrons 20 années de service consacrées à la protection des droits de l’homme et des peuples en Afrique, nous rendons hommage à chaque travailleur dont les efforts continuent de faire rayonner la dignité, le progrès et la justice.

01/05/2026

Today, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights joins the continent in honouring the dedication, resilience and contribution of workers in building stronger institutions and societies.

As we mark 20 years of service in protecting human and peoples’ rights in Africa, we pay tribute to every worker whose efforts continue to uphold dignity, progress and justice.

28/04/2026

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, through its President, Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya, joined the East African Community and other regional leaders in Arusha, Tanzania, for a farewell and welcome reception held in honour of the outgoing Secretary General of the East African Community, Hon. Veronica Nduva, and the incoming Secretary General, Ambassador Stephen Mbundi.

During the occasion, Justice Tchikaya presented commemorative gifts from the African Court to both Hon. Veronica Nduva and Ambassador Stephen Mbundi, as a gesture of goodwill and institutional cooperation.

Hon. Veronica Nduva, who has served as Secretary General since June 2024, was recognised for her dedication, leadership and contribution to advancing regional integration within the East African Community.

The event also served to welcome Ambassador Stephen Mbundi, whose tenure is expected to further strengthen unity, cooperation and regional collaboration across the East African region.

The occasion was graced by Hon. James Ikuya, Minister of State for East African Community Affairs and brought together ambassadors, heads of institutions and committees, representatives of regional organs, the private sector and other stakeholders.

The participation of the African Court underscored its continued commitment to strengthening cooperation with regional institutions and advancing shared values of justice and partnership.