20/05/2026
Statement by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice, At the Closing Ceremony of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Distinguished Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, His Excellency Idrissa Sow,
Honourable Commissioners,
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
Representatives of National Human Rights Institutions and Civil Society Organisations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of His Excellency the President, the Government, and the People of the Republic of The Gambia, it is my honour and privilege to deliver these closing remarks at the conclusion of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
At the outset, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Chairperson, Honourable Commissioners, and the Secretariat of the African Commission for the exemplary manner in which this Session has been conducted. Your unwavering dedication to the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights across our Continent remains both commendable and inspiring.
This Session has once again reaffirmed the enduring value of dialogue, cooperation, and collective responsibility in confronting the complex human rights challenges facing Africa today. The rich deliberations, exchanges, and recommendations over the past days have reflected our shared aspiration for a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Africa — an Africa grounded in human dignity, justice, equality, and the rule of law.
Throughout this Session, we have heard important reports, testimonies, and interventions that highlight both the progress achieved and the challenges that persist. We commend the efforts of States Parties in strengthening legal and institutional frameworks aimed at protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, including measures to combat violence against women and children, enhance access to justice, and promote accountability. These efforts are tangible demonstrations of our collective obligation to give practical effect to the rights and principles enshrined in the African Charter.
We also commend those States Parties that have fulfilled their reporting obligations by submitting and presenting their periodic reports before the Commission. Such engagement reflects a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and constructive dialogue within the African human rights system. Reporting is not merely a procedural treaty obligation; it is an essential mechanism for self-assessment, peer learning, and institutional strengthening. It enables States to showcase achievements, identify challenges, and benefit from recommendations aimed at improving the protection and enjoyment of human rights for all.
In this regard, we encourage all States Parties that are yet to submit their reports to do so in a timely manner. Regular reporting strengthens both the credibility and effectiveness of the African human rights system and reinforces our shared commitments under the African Union framework.
Honourable Chairperson, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
Today, the global human rights order established in the aftermath of the Second World War faces increasing strain. Armed conflicts, insecurity, and humanitarian crises in different parts of the world continue to inflict immense suffering on civilian populations and place significant pressure on international institutions and norms.
In the face of these challenges, Africa must continue to stand firm as a continent where the values of human dignity, solidarity, justice, and mutual respect remain deeply rooted within our traditions, our institutions, and the African Charter itself.
The discussions during this Session have further reminded us that the challenges confronting one State can no longer be viewed in isolation. In our interconnected world, instability, insecurity, unconstitutional changes of government, violent conflict, terrorism, human trafficking, irregular migration, and humanitarian crises within one country can quickly transcend borders and affect neighbouring States and the wider region. A breakdown in peace and the protection of human rights in one nation inevitably carries consequences for regional stability, economic development, and social cohesion across the Continent.
It is therefore imperative that African States continue to strengthen solidarity, cooperation, and early response mechanisms in addressing emerging threats and human rights concerns. Our collective peace, security, and development depend on our ability to work together in the true spirit of African unity, partnership, and shared responsibility.
We equally acknowledge and appreciate the indispensable role played by civil society organisations, national human rights institutions, and development partners in complementing the efforts of States and the Commission in advancing human rights, good governance, democracy, and access to justice across Africa.
As we conclude this Session, let us renew our collective commitment to implementing the resolutions and recommendations adopted herein. Let us continue to work tirelessly towards an Africa where the rights, freedoms, and dignity of every individual are fully respected, protected, and promoted.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Secretariat, interpreters, technical staff, and all those whose hard work and dedication contributed to the successful organisation of this Session.
This is delivered by the Solicitor General abd Legal Secretary Mr Hussein Thomasi.
I thank you all for your kind attention.
