The 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), held from 21–30 October 2025 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia, brought together human rights defenders, civil society actors, and state representatives to reflect on the state of human rights across the continent. As the principal human rights body of the African Union, the ACHPR plays a pivotal role in promoting and protecting the rights enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Notably, as of mid-2024 to early 2025, the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes (EHAGL) region hosted approximately 5.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers and a staggering 20.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). This totals over 26 million forcibly displaced people as per UNHCR statistics. The situation is worsening due to ongoing conflicts, climate crises, and economic pressures.

This report was authored by Irene Shiundu and Moses Okot.