Africa Human Rights Day, observed annually on 21 October, offers a chance to reflect on the progress achieved in advancing human rights, whilst addressing the persistent challenges that still threaten these advances.
This year’s commemorations, held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” call for renewed commitment to justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
Across Africa, issues such as gender inequality, political repression, discrimination, restricted civic space, and violations of freedom of expression remain pressing concerns.
Freedom of expression, free media, and the right to access information are essential principles in achieving justice for Africans and people of African descent.
Free expression, media, truth-telling, and access to information about historical injustices, as well as open debate on reparations. In the absence of these enabling rights, civic advocacy for accountability would not be possible.
Africa Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (also known as the Banjul Charter) coming into force in 1986, serving as the foundation of Africa’s human rights system.
This landmark treaty established a comprehensive framework for promoting and protecting human and peoples’ rights across the continent, grounded in Africa’s unique social, cultural, and historical context.
MISA reaffirms its solidarity with all who continue to suffer injustices, including victims of election-related violence, censorship, and conflict-induced human rights violations.
We emphasise that freedom of expression and access to information remain fundamental enablers of all other rights.
In this regard, MISA reiterates the guarantees enshrined in Article 9 of the African Charter, which affirms that:
Every individual shall have the right to receive information
Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate their opinions within the law
As we commemorate Africa Human Rights Day, MISA calls upon SADC member states to:
Undertake a comprehensive legal audit to amend or repeal restrictive provisions in laws such as the Cyber Security laws and codified laws, including those on criminal defamation, false news, and sedition, which stifle press freedom and silence dissenting voices
Ensure full operationalisation and implementation of freedom of expression and access to information guarantees, including proactive disclosure of public information by state institutions
Ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on the establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, thereby strengthening regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights.
Implement ACHPR Resolution 522(LXXII)2022) on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa. The Resolution urges Member States to strengthen laws addressing all forms of gender-based violence, including digital violence such as cyber-harassment, stalking, and sexist hate speech. It calls for research and awareness programmes—particularly targeting men and boys—to address the root causes of online abuse. Additionally, governments are urged to adopt gender-sensitive policies in responding to cases of digital violence.
On this Africa Human Rights Day, MISA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom — the pillars of a democratic, just, and rights-respecting society.
MISA Regional Office Communique
