The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is poised to embark on its 2025 Judicial Year, commencing with a formal ceremony on February 3rd in Arusha, Tanzania. This 76th Ordinary Session, scheduled to conclude on February 28th, carries particular significance as it marks the 21st anniversary of the Protocol establishing the Court, which came into effect on January 25th, 2004. Established as a cornerstone of the African Union’s human rights framework, the Court comprises eleven judges elected from member states, operating independently to adjudicate cases concerning human and peoples’ rights violations across the continent. The Court’s mandate is to ensure adherence to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant human rights instruments. Its regular calendar includes four ordinary sessions per year, with the flexibility to convene extraordinary sessions as circumstances demand.
The 2025 Judicial Year serves as a prelude to the Court’s 20th anniversary of active operation, a milestone set to be celebrated in 2026. Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud, President of the African Court, has underscored the importance of this period, emphasizing the Court’s ongoing commitment to its foundational principles. In a message conveyed to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) in Accra, Ghana, Lady Justice Aboud highlighted the convergence of these anniversaries, noting that the 21st anniversary of the Protocol’s enactment naturally leads into the celebration of two decades of the Court’s practical functioning. This dual commemoration underscores the Court’s enduring role in the African human rights landscape.
The opening of the 2025 Judicial Year will feature the presentation of a strategic agenda by the President, outlining the Court’s key objectives for the year. This roadmap will prioritize judicial diplomacy, aiming to foster greater understanding and cooperation with member states on human rights issues. Sensitization missions will be undertaken to enhance awareness of the Court’s mandate and procedures among various stakeholders, including legal professionals, civil society organizations, and the general public. Strengthening engagement with member states is crucial to ensure their effective participation in the Court’s processes and their compliance with its judgments. This interaction will focus on clarifying the Court’s role and procedures, promoting its accessibility, and facilitating the implementation of its decisions.
The African Court’s engagement extends beyond member states, encompassing a wide range of stakeholders critical to its effectiveness. These include other organs of the African Union, national bar associations and law societies, national human rights institutions, academic institutions, and civil society organizations working on human rights issues. These partnerships are vital for disseminating information about the Court’s work, gathering diverse perspectives on human rights challenges, and ensuring that its decisions resonate within the broader African community. The Court will actively utilize the African Governance Architecture Platform to further these collaborations, leveraging this framework to coordinate efforts and maximize impact.
The ongoing institutional reforms within the African Union present a significant opportunity for the Court to strengthen its role in the broader continental agenda. The Court intends to capitalize on these reforms to enhance its effectiveness in contributing to the Union’s overarching objectives and the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term development vision. By aligning its work with these broader frameworks, the Court aims to solidify its position as a key player in promoting good governance, justice, and respect for human rights across Africa. This integration will also enhance the Court’s ability to address systemic human rights issues and contribute to sustainable development.
Another priority for the 2025 Judicial Year is enhancing the Court’s visibility and outreach. Strengthening partnerships with the African Court Media Network will be crucial in disseminating information about the Court’s activities, judgments, and significant developments. This increased visibility will ensure that the Court’s work reaches a wider audience across the continent, promoting transparency and accountability. By effectively communicating its decisions and impact, the Court aims to further establish itself as a vital institution in the protection and promotion of human rights across Africa, thereby reinforcing its role as a pillar of justice and a guardian of fundamental freedoms. As the new Judicial Year commences, the African Court remains committed to its core mandate of upholding human and peoples’ rights, ensuring that its role as a defender of justice and accountability continues to evolve and strengthen within the African Union framework.
