3. Engaging with the African Commission during the sessions

If you are participating in an ordinary session of the African Commission, we highly recommend participating in the NGO Forum as well, at least from time to time. If you want to participate in the NGO Forum, here are some tips below on how you can do that.

Registration information and the Forum agenda are usually communicated by the ACDHRS around 2 months before an ordinary session. You can follow them on their social media accounts and check their website regularly so you don’t miss the announcement.

Participation fee (150USD) is to be paid on arrival at the beginning of the session.

You can participate in the NGO Forum in a number of ways. You can:

• Sign up to be a speaker on a panel, asking the ACDHRS.
• Intervene during a panel discussion
• Join one or more special interests groups
• Participate in drafting a resolution or recommendation on an issue of concern with other NGOs, to be submitted to the ACDHRS at least a week before the start of the NGO Forum
• Organise or co-organise a side event on the sidelines of the NGO Forum (for more information, see Section 3.4 Side Events - Why are they useful?)
• Meet directly with Commissioners and other officials present at the NGO Forum to already begin your advocacy and lobbying efforts
• Connect your advocacy and lobbying efforts to the theme of the year to maximise your impact

See also Section 3.11: Planning for your meeting and networking.