As part of the Liberal Academy’s Training Cycle for Young Leaders in Politics and Civil Society, a workshop on the Protection of Human Rights in Africa was successfully held to strengthen participants’ knowledge and capacity in the field of human rights. The workshop brought together a diverse group of around 30 young leaders in politics, journalists, and representatives of civil society organizations to examine and discuss key challenges and opportunities related to human rights protection in Africa.

Through interactive sessions, expert presentations, and group discussions, participants explored themes such as the institutional and legal frameworks safeguarding human rights in Africa, the role of civil society, and strategies for promoting the African understanding of human rights. They also reviewed the role, function, and effectiveness of implementation bodies such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Experts emphasized the importance of liberal democratic values, the rule of law, and citizen engagement in advancing human rights.

Discussions also turned to Africa and international criminal justice. To tackle this, experts addressed the persistent issue of international criminal courts like the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has been criticized for only prosecuting African leaders.

Despite persistent challenges (including limited state compliance, resource constraints, and political resistance), the African human rights system continues to evolve. It reflects a growing commitment across the continent to uphold dignity, equality, and justice in line with African values and international standards.  Participants demonstrated a strengthened understanding of the African human rights architecture. The workshop also provided a platform for networking and experience-sharing, encouraging collaboration among participants in their respective fields.