African Court marks opening of its 2025 Judicial Year

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has successfully marked the opening of its 2025 judicial year under the theme “Advancing Justice through Reparations.”

The Solemn Ceremony, held at the Seat of the Court in Arusha, brought together distinguished guests, including President José Maria Neves of Cape Verde, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

The event was attended by representatives from African Union member states, international and regional courts, human rights institutions, legal professionals, civil society organizations, academia, and the media.

The Honourable Judges of the African Court led the procession, setting the tone for a year dedicated to advancing human rights and justice across the continent.

As part of the activities for the Opening of the Judicial Year, the African Court also hosted a Judicial Seminar on February 4th, 2025, on the theme “Rendering Justice for Women through Reparations.

The Solemn Ceremony and Judicial Seminar were attended by representatives of African Union member states, international, regional, and national courts, African Union organs with a human rights mandate, national human rights institutions, legal professionals, and representatives of bar associations.

Additionally, civil society organizations, members of the academia, members of the press, and other stakeholders involved in the work of the African Court and the protection of human rights on the continent participated.

This Solemn Ceremony also marked the commencement of the 76th Ordinary Session of the Court, scheduled to run from 3 to 28 February 2025 at its Seat in Arusha, Tanzania.