8th October 2026

Statement by Equality Now (Observer Status No. 281) on Agenda Item 5 Of the 89th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR

Achieve legal equality

Quick Links

Equality Now’s statement to the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights calls for stronger implementation of the Maputo Protocol and action to advance equality in marriage and the family. It highlights reservations to the Protocol, threats to existing rights, and gaps in state reporting.

We call for ratification without reservations, withdrawal of existing reservations, stronger state reporting, and a progressive continental framework on equality in marriage and the family to safeguard women’s and girls’ rights across Africa.

What’s inside the statement?

  • An overview of reservations to the Maputo Protocol and the Advocacy Framework supporting their withdrawal
  • A call for a progressive continental framework on equality in marriage and the family
  • An overview of gaps in state compliance with Maputo Protocol reporting obligations
  • 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

Download your file

Your name(Required)
Marketing consent(Required)

Key recommendations

  • Promote the Advocacy Framework and encourage Member States to withdraw reservations to the Maputo Protocol.
  • Urge states that have not yet ratified the Maputo Protocol to do so without reservations.
  • Partner with the Africa Family Law Network and other stakeholders to develop a progressive continental framework on equality in marriage and the family, building on Articles 6 and 7 of the Maputo Protocol to strengthen existing protections and counter regression.
  • Urge states with outstanding initial Part B reports to submit them without delay, enabling assessment of national implementation of the Maputo Protocol.

About

8 October 2026

3 pages

Languages

EN

Classification

Statements
Achieve legal equality

More information

For more information, contact programs@equalitynow.org.

Explore more resources

1

5 May 2026

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

As the African Commission adopts a new Advocacy Framework to strengthen implementation of the Maputo Protocol, a parallel effort to introduce a regressive Charter risks undermining decades of progress. Equality Now calls for decisive action to safeguard existing protections, ensure accountability from Member States, and work collaboratively with community leaders to advance a future where the rights of women and girls are fully realised.

Read more +

EN

Statements Achieve legal equality Africa

Newsletter Sign-up

Make a donation

I want to donate