6th May 2026
Where you’ll find Equality Now at the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, Gambia
5 min read
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is a key institution within the African Union responsible for promoting and protecting human rights across the African continent. Its Ordinary Sessions, held biannually, play a crucial role in advancing the human rights agenda in Africa.
During the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, Gambia, Equality Now will host side events, read our statement, SOAWR statements, engage in submitted shadow reports review, and host side events to advance accountability and strengthen child protection systems across the continent.
Here is where you can find us.
Let us know you’re coming
If you are attending ACHPR, we would welcome the opportunity to connect.
Launch of Advocacy Framework on Withdrawing Reservations to the Maputo Protocol
The African Union, in collaboration with Equality Now, will host the ‘Panel on Commitment to Compliance: Lifting Reservations to Realise the Full Promise of the Maputo Protocol’ & launch of the framework on lifting reservations of some provisions of the Maputo Protocol.
Prepared by the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, the framework was adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights at its 86th Ordinary Session, held from 23 February to 9 March 2026.
Date: 11th May 2026
Time: 16:30 – 17:30 GMT
Location: Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre- Main hall
Centering Survivors: The Impact of SRHR Restrictions in Eastern and Western Africa
Convened by Equality Now and the SOAWR Coalition on the margins of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the side event will center the lived experiences of survivors affected by sexual and reproductive health and rights restrictions in Eastern and Western Africa. It will also provide a platform for survivors to share their experiences of navigating legal, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers to accessing essential services. The event will be conducted in English with French interpretation available.
*Please note that for safety and safeguarding purposes, no photos will be taken or allowed and no recordings of this particular session will be allowed.
Time: 1.30-2.30 pm WAT
Location: Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre
Holding The Line: Women’s Rights In A Shrinking Civic Space
This session is curated for women’s rights advocates, activists, and key stakeholders to explore the growing backlash against gender equality across Africa. The event will spotlight the experiences of women human rights defenders, while sharing practical strategies to strengthen solidarity, protect activism, and advance efforts to end violence against women and girls across the continent.
Time: 1.30-2.30 pm WAT
Location: Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre
25th May 2026
5 min read
How the global anti-rights movement is targeting women’s rights in Africa through family laws
22nd May 2026
5 min read
ACERWC landmark decision on Maggie’s case in Malawi marks a turning point for children’s rights in Africa
21st May 2026
5 min read
Building change together across the MENA region: In conversation with Dima Dabbous