5th mai 2026

Statement by Equality Now (Observer Status No. 281) on Agenda Item 5 of the 87th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR

Achieve legal equality Africa

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Equality Now’s statement to the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights welcomes the adoption of a new Advocacy Framework to advance the Maputo Protocol while raising urgent concerns about a proposed African Charter that threatens to roll back hard-won gains for women’s rights. We call for stronger accountability in state reporting and deeper engagement with traditional and religious leaders to advance gender equality and protect the rights of women and girls across Africa. 

What’s included in the statement?

  • Analysis of the newly adopted Advocacy Framework on withdrawing reservations to the Maputo Protocol
  • Examination of the proposed African Charter on Family, Sovereignty, and Values and its risks to women’s rights
  • Assessment of state compliance with Maputo Protocol reporting obligations
  • Insights on collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to advance women’s rights
  • Calls to action directed at African Union bodies and Member States

Who’s this statement for?

  • African Union institutions and human rights mechanisms
  • National governments and policymakers
  • Civil society organisations and women’s rights advocates
  • Legal practitioners and human rights experts
  • Traditional and religious leaders engaged in community-level change

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Key takeaways and recommendations

  • Urgently halt the development of the proposed African Charter that undermines established women’s rights frameworks
  • Strengthen compliance with the Maputo Protocol reporting obligations by all Member States
  • Promote and disseminate the Advocacy Framework on withdrawing reservations
  • Deepen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful norms
  • Align national laws and practices with regional and international human rights standards

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5 mai 2026

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EN

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Statements
Achieve legal equality
Africa

More information

For more information, contact programs@equalitynow.org.

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