With the theme: “40 Years of the African Charter: Celebrating Africa’s Human Rights Journey, Legacy, and Future”. The month of October 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, one of Africa’s most significant human rights instruments. Adopted on 27 June 1981 in Nairobi, Kenya, by the then Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Charter entered into force on 21 October 1986, establishing a landmark framework for the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights across the continent.
Over the past four decades, the African Charter has served as the foundation of the African human rights system and has guided the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). It has contributed
significantly to the advancement of human rights, democracy, justice, accountability, equality and human dignity across Africa, while providing an enduring framework for addressing emerging and evolving human rights challenges on the continent.
The 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights will provide an important platform to commemorate this historic 40thanniversary. The commemorative event will reflect on the historical journey that led to the drafting, adoption and entry into force of the African Charter; honour the vision and contributions of its drafters and former Commissioners; highlight key milestones and achievements in the implementation and interpretation of the Charter; and examine its continuing relevance to contemporary human rights challenges.
The commemoration will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the African Charter’s enduring legacy and to reaffirm a renewed continental commitment to the effective promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights. It will look towards the next chapter of the African human rights system, inspiring continued efforts to advance justice, equality, dignity and accountability across the continent.
Learn more about the 89th Ordinary Session here: https://achpr.au.int/en/news/press-releases/2026-08-06/public-notice-89th-ordinary-session-african-commission-human-p
PUBLIC NOTICE: The 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights
Convened in terms of Article 64 (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, read together with Rule 28 of the Rules of Procedure of the ACHPR, 2020
Banjul, 05 August 2026; The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the ACHPR) wishes to inform State Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Organs of the African Union, National Human Rights Institutions, International Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and the general public, that the 89th Ordinary Session, of the ACHPR (Private & Public) is scheduled to take place as follows from 21 September 2026 – 01 October 2026 (Private-Virtual) and from 12 - 21 October 2026 (Public – Physical).
