2026 Stakeholders’ Platform on the Margins of the 80th Ordinary Session of The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights / Plateforme des Parties Prenantes 2026 en Marge de la 80ième Session Ordinaire de la Cour Africaine des Droits de L’homme et des Peuples

Abstract

This commemorative conference marks 20 years of jurisprudence, dialogue, and impact. It creates space to reflect, learn, and chart a forward-looking agenda. The overarching purpose of the 2026 Platform is multifaceted. It offers space to reflect on the African Court’s journey thus far, celebrating its foundational contributions by looking at the evolution of its jurisprudence and how it has contributed to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms on the continent. The Platform is also an opportunity to assess persistent challenges and constraints facing the Court’s work and mandate, ranging from issues of accessibility and visibility, to the crucial imperative of compliance and implementation of its decisions by State Parties. With the reflections on these crucial areas, the gathering is expected to collectively envision and redefine the African Court's indispensable role for the next decade and beyond, charting a strategic course that equips it to address emerging human rights complexities and maintain its relevance in a rapidly changing continental and global landscape. Leveraging on the African Court Coalition's commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders and building on the success of the 2025 inaugural Stakeholders’ Platform, the 2026 Stakeholders’ Platform is conceptualized as a continuation of constructive deliberations geared towards generating outcomes that are significant in enhancing the African Court’s overall e ectiveness, broaden its accessibility to African citizens seeking redress for human rights violations, and solidify its enduring legitimacy as a cornerstone of human rights protection across Africa. Through facilitated robust deliberations and collaborative engagement, the 2026 Stakeholders’ Platform aims to generate a suite of actionable recommendations and foster strengthened partnerships.