This Judicial Year opens at a historic juncture: the 20th anniversary of the operationalization of the Court. Two decades ago, Africa took a bold and visionary step by establishing a continental judicial body mandated to safeguard the rights and freedoms enshrined in the African Charter and related instruments.
Over the years, the Court has developed a growing body of jurisprudence that has clarified normative standards, strengthened accountability, and enhanced legal certainty across the continent. Its decisions have contributed to the protection of vulnerable groups and reinforced the responsibility of public authorities in upholding human rights obligations.
This anniversary is therefore not merely ceremonial. It is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, draw lessons from challenges encountered, and renew collective commitment to the Court as a cornerstone of justice within Africa’s human rights architecture.
Advancing “The Africa We Want”
The Court’s mandate remains closely aligned with the aspirations of African Union Agenda 2063-“The Africa We Want”—particularly Aspiration 3, which envisions a continent governed by democratic values, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
By strengthening jurisprudence and reinforcing accountability, the Court has played a meaningful role in advancing this vision. As global power dynamics shift, continental institutions such as the Court must continue to safeguard normative stability and reinforce legal certainty in times of uncertainty.
Reform and Institutional Strengthening
The 20th anniversary coincides with ongoing institutional reform processes concerning the Court. Reform presents an important opportunity to consolidate past gains while addressing emerging challenges, including a growing and increasingly complex caseload.
For reform to succeed, it must enhance the Court’s structural and administrative capacity to effectively discharge its mandate. Equally important is tangible support from Member States. The effectiveness of the Court depends not only on the quality of its jurisprudence but also on predictable and sustainable financial and human resources. Member States are therefore called upon to ensure adequate funding and institutional backing.
A planned Retreat between the PRC and the Court is expected to provide a platform for in-depth exchanges on these critical issues, further strengthening collaboration and shared ownership of the Court’s future.
Strengthening Compliance and National Engagement
In line with recent decisions adopted at the Summit of the African Union, the PRC Sub-Committee on Human Rights, Democracy and Governance will institute regular compliance review sessions. These sessions will systematically monitor the implementation of the Court’s decisions by concerned Member States and address challenges encountered in the process.
Member States are also encouraged to convene national dialogue platforms to foster consensus and identify practical pathways for implementation. The designation of national focal points for the Court already undertaken by several countries will be central to ensuring effective coordination. Those yet to designate focal points are urged to do so without delay.
Additionally, a proposed framework for monitoring implementation, currently under consideration by the Sectoral Technical Council on Justice and Legal Affairs, is expected to significantly enhance collective efforts once finalized.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access to Justice
As the Court steps into its next decade, ambition and clarity of purpose must guide its path. The next phase of its journey should be marked by expanded reach and a deeper, more tangible impact on the lives of African peoples.
It is a shared aspiration that more Africans across all regions, languages and socio-economic backgrounds will be able to access justice before the Court. Enhancing visibility, particularly during the 20th anniversary commemorations, will be essential in bringing the institution closer to the people it serves.
A Collective Responsibility
On behalf of the PRC, unwavering support has been reaffirmed for the Court as it opens this new Judicial Year. The enduring wisdom of an African proverb captures the spirit of this moment: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try spending a night with a mosquito.”
The message is clear. Member States, institutions, partners and citizens alike share responsibility in advancing justice and safeguarding the dignity and rights of African peoples. The years ahead must be defined by deeper cooperation, greater efficiency, and renewed collective commitment to uphold the aspirations of the continent.
As Africa navigates a changing global order, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights stands not only as a guardian of legal norms, but as a symbol of the continent’s determination to affirm that human rights protection is not externally imposed, but internally owned and advanced.
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Source: Goodwill Message from Amb. Willy Nyamitwe, Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives committee (PRC) of the African Union
