The main ways to push for the adoption of a resolution are either oral statements or meetings with key stakeholders (see Section 3.4 Oral statements - Why are they useful? and Section 3.10 Meetings with key stakeholders - Why are they useful?). Pushing for a resolution should be one action among many in pursuing a wider advocacy strategy in pursuit of a goal, for example recognising the work of human rights defenders, calling for an investigation for certain crimes, lobbying for the adoption of guidelines/principles, etc.
During an oral statement in the plenary session, you can call on the African Commission to adopt a resolution on a particular thematic issue or country situation, explaining the severity and/or urgency thereof, and asking for specific measures to be taken, for example a country visit, a fact-finding mission, etc. During a meeting with key stakeholders, e.g. Commissioners or State representatives, you can lobby for the African Commission to adopt a resolution as well. Remember that State representatives enjoy a great deal of influence during ordinary sessions and the African Commission has a duty to be responsive to the will of States. As such, make sure to get not just NGOs and NHRIs but also State representatives to make oral statements or lobby in favour of a resolution to maximise your chances of success.
Resolutions are drafted, debated, amended, and adopted by Commissioners during the private portion of an ordinary session (NGOs may share draft proposals of resolutions with Commissioners beforehand to inform and facilitate their decision). During the private session, members of civil society are not allowed to be present. That’s why it is very difficult for civil society to engage with Commissioners during the private stage of the session. As such, earlier, proactive engagement is key, before, during, and outside the ordinary session’s public portion. Adopted resolutions are announced after the private session, at the closing ceremony of the overall ordinary session.
On April 15, 2023, a conflict erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has had devastating consequences for civilians. FIDH and its Sudanese member organisations, the African Center for Justice and Peace Studies, the Sudanese Human Rights Monitor and other partners have been calling for more decisive action by the African Commission and the African Union that deploys all the available tools for responding to the conflict in Sudan. The African Commission adopted on 3 June 2024 its fourth resolution since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan in April 2023. In it, the African Commission revealed two key plans that will scale up on its response to the crisis in Sudan. The resolution indicates that the Commission will deploy a fact-finding mission to Sudan to investigate human rights violations and breaches of humanitarian law, including on gender dimensions that could constitute international crimes.
For many years, the Global Forum on Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent (GFoD) advocated along partners from Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia against systemic practices of modern slavery, despite the passing of laws in that regard. They documented cases in Africa including in the Gambia, Mauritania, Niger, Cameroun or Mali using testimonies, law database, index and support for national protection mechanisms.
In November 2024, at the 81st session of the African Commission, the members adopted a historic resolution that condemns such practices and protects the rights of the communities affected. This step marks an important recognition of the struggles faced by communities affected by descent- and work-based discrimination, underscoring a deeper commitment to safeguarding their human rights. The 81st session saw powerful testimonies delivered by community leaders and activists, highlighting the hardships faced by the community, including the conclusion of the interest group held ahead of the session during the NGO Forum. Just after the adoption, this resolution had an impressive resonance with communities in Latin America and other HRDs around the rule, who showed solidarity and hope that this historical moment will support other protection mechanisms in their countries.
“It is a historic moment for communities across Africa who have undergone generational systematic exclusion hardship.” Queen Bisseng, GFoD's Africa coordinator on the historic resolution passed by @ACHPR @BissengQ9893 @PaulDivakarN @LWOB @DefendDefenders pic.twitter.com/Wrwon4BaTH
— Global Forum of CDWD (GFoD) (@CastoutSlavery) November 15, 2024See the next sections on how you can engage in other actions of the African Commission, including meeting with key stakeholders during ordinary sessions of the African Commission.
