AU member states charged to deepen their commitment to justice

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has opened its 2026 Judicial Year with a renewed call for African Union Member States to deepen their commitment to justice and ratify the Protocol establishing the Court.

The AU Member states were also charged to fully implement the African Court’s judgements in good faith, as the Court marks 20 years of protecting human and people's rights across the continent.

The ceremony was held under the theme “20 years of service in protecting human and people's rights", marking the Court’s 20th anniversary and reflecting on two decades of advancing justice across the continent.

The ceremony took place at the Seat of the Court in Arusha, Tanzania, and was graced by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, as the Guest of Honour.

The event opened with President Mahama touring an exhibition, reflecting on the Court’s 20-year journey, highlighting its historical progression, landmark cases and engagement initiatives, and developing the new premises of the Court and showcasing the revamped website as well as the Court’s forthcoming e-library platform.

In her remarks, Her Excellency Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, described the Court’s 20th anniversary as a historic milestone, noting that twenty years of work have translated the promise of justice into real protection for Africans.

She stressed that the anniversary must also be a moment of reflection and renewed commitment on how to strengthen the Court’s impact going forward.

She further posed critical questions to guide the Court’s future direction and collaboration with member states:

“How can the Court adapt to ensure it remains accessible to the most vulnerable? How can we, as the AUC and member states, strengthen our collaboration to ensure its judgements are truly transformative?” she asked.

In his keynote address, President Mahama opened with a deeply personal reflection on his father’s detention following political upheavals in Ghana.

Drawing from his childhood memories, he underscored how injustice affects not only individuals but entire families and communities, shaping his enduring commitment to justice, due process and the rule of law.

“Although I stand before you as a Head of State, I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader. The effects of social injustice and human rights violations extend beyond individuals; they impact entire families and communities," he said.

President Mahama made a strong appeal to AU Member States that have not yet ratified the Protocol to the African Charter establishing the Court.

He urged full cooperation with the Court’s mandate, including implementation of judgements and acceptance of direct access for individuals and NGOs.

“I call upon African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Protocol to please do so without delay. I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith and to also make the declaration to allow individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court," he said.

President Mahama encouraged AU Member States to engage confidently with the Court, noting that there is nothing to fear in appearing before it, as it is a judicial body established to protect human rights.

The ceremony also saw the launch of the Court’s revamped website, www.african-court.org, which features enhanced functionalities and full alignment with African Union brand guidelines, reflecting the Court’s status as an organ of the African Union.

The solemn ceremony brought together representatives of African Union Member States, national, regional and international, Courts, African Union organs; national human rights institutions; legal professionals; members of Bar Associations, civil society organisations; members of the academia; and other stakeholders involved in the work of the court.

The event further marked the commencement of the 80th Ordinary Session of the Court, scheduled to run from 2 to 27 March 2026 at its seat in Arusha.

As part of the session, the court is hosting the 4th International Human Rights Forum, bringing together the court, the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to strengthen cooperation and deepen dialogue on shared human rights challenges.

Following the official launch of the Court’s 20th anniversary celebrations, various outreach and awareness activities will be rolled out throughout the year across the continent and in collaboration with various stakeholders.