The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) officially concluded its 81st Ordinary Session on November 6 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Banjul.
During the closing remarks, Commission Chairperson Remy Ngoy Lumbu highlighted the importance of collective action to ensure that the commission’s recommendations are effectively implemented. He warned that without dedicated follow-through, the progress of the past 40 years could be jeopardized.
Lumbu shared that significant issues, not addressed in public sessions, were discussed privately among the commissioners. These discussions led to further recommendations on a variety of themes, with details outlined in the session’s final communiqué.
Looking forward, the commission plans to host a two-day colloquium focused on the African Union’s theme of the year: “Educating African Youth for the 21st Century.” The event will explore strategies to build resilient education systems that promote inclusive, high-quality learning across Africa. “If we love Africa, then we must invest in a rich education for our youth,” Lumbu emphasized.
Hussain Thomasi, The Gambia’s Solicitor General, who presided over the session’s closing, reiterated that education is a fundamental human right, essential for dignity, equality, and opportunity. He stressed that access to quality education is vital for Africa’s economic and social transformation, calling on leaders to prioritize education as a solution to challenges like poverty and unemployment. Thomasi affirmed The Gambia’s commitment to human rights principles and to empowering citizens through education.
