Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – May 7, 2025.
The 7th Annual Policy Dialogue Forum, organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), officially opened on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, in Addis Ababa. Centered on the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” the event is part of the AU’s Human and Peoples’ Rights Decade Action Plan. It brings together key stakeholders from across the continent and the diaspora to reflect on ways to redress historical injustices.
1-A Historic Call for Justice and Reparations
In his opening address, Mr. Berhanu Adello, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), underscored the deep historical injustices faced by Africans and the African diaspora.
“For centuries, Africans and people of African descent experienced enslavement, colonialism, and great injustice,”he stated. “The trans-Atlantic slave trade marked a horrific chapter in human history, characterized by a brutal system that forcibly displaced millions, stripping them of their dignity and freedom.”
2-Mr. Berhanu highlighted recent continental and global efforts toward reparatory justice, including:
. The Accra Proclamation on Reparations (2023), which united African and diaspora voices.
.The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) resolutions on reparations (2022, 2024).
. The AU’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.
.The UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034), which will prioritize reparations.
He emphasized the moral and legal responsibility of states to establish mechanisms for redress, stating: “Reparations are not only necessary for justice and healing but also a foundation for sustainable peace, development, and human dignity.”
3-OHCHR Highlights Role of NHRIs in Advancing Justice
Dr. Marcel Akpovo, Regional Representative for East Africa and to the AU at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), welcomed participants and stressed the importance of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in advancing justice.
He noted the critical challenges facing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly the limited ratification of Article 34(6), which allows individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court. “Recent withdrawals, including Tunisia’s, undermine the Court’s effectiveness,”he said, urging NHRIs to advocate for greater ratification and stronger legal frameworks.
OHCHR is hosting dedicated sessions on access to justice, aiming to:
. Strengthen NHRI advocacy for African Court Protocol ratification.
. Address gender-specific barriers to justice.
. Develop national action plans for justice reforms.
4-Key Milestone: Launch of NANHRI’s Addis Ababa Liaison Office
A major highlight of the Forum was the launch of NANHRI’s new Partnership and Liaison Office in Addis Ababa. This strategic move will enhance coordination, advocacy, and engagement with the AU, UNECA, and international partners.
“This office will amplify NHRIs’ role in shaping Africa’s human rights agenda,” said Mr. Gilbert Sebihogo, Executive Director of NANHRI.
5-High-Level Participation Reinforces Commitment to Justice
The opening session also featured remarks from:
. H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AUC Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
. H.E. Amb. Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, Chairperson of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee.
. Ms. Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Director of Governance and Conflict Prevention, AUC.
. Mrs. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the Global Alliance of NHRIs (GANHRI).
. Prof. James Mouangue Kobila, NANHRI Vice Chairperson.
6-The Path Forward: Collective Action for Reparatory Justice
7th AUC-NANHRI Dialogue Forum sets the stage for strategic collaboration among African nations, NHRIs, and international partners to advance reparatory justice, legal reforms, and institutional accountability.
Emebet Asefa , Correspondent Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
