Center for Women's Rights and Leadership

DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders are in Dakar, Senegal, participating in the NGO Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), taking place from 8–10 October 2026. As part of our delegation, we are joined by five mentees from our Roots of Resilience Mentorship Programme from Libya, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, bringing their perspectives, experiences, and commitment to advancing human rights across Africa. Listen as our mentees share their reflections on Day 1 of the NGO Forum, where human rights defenders, civil society actors, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss the state of human rights and democracy across the continent. The first panel discussion of the day provided an overview and update on the situation of human rights and democracy in Africa through sub-regional focal point reports. Our Senior Programme Officer, Walda Shaka, presented an overview of the human rights context in East and the Horn of Africa, highlighting key developments and challenges affecting the region. The day's panels explored a range of critical human rights issues, including water justice and democratic inclusion for communities discriminated against on the basis of work and descent; an Afro-feminist perspective on shrinking civic space and protecting freedom of expression, association, and assembly; the implications of conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government for peace, security, and governance; and the promotion of economic, social, and cultural rights in the context of armed conflict. Over the three days, the forum's discussions will be guided by this year's African Union theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” highlighting the importance of equitable access to water and sanitation in advancing human rights and inclusive development. #DDatACHPR89 #ADatACHPR89 #RootsOfResilience