Resolution on the Extension of the Deadline for the Completion of the Study on Digital Violence Against Women’s Rights in Africa - ACHPR. Res. 665(LXXXVIII) 2026
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Commission), meeting at its 88th Ordinary Session, held from 17 to 31 July 2026:Recalling its responsibility to safeguard and advance human and. . .
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Commission), meeting at its 88th Ordinary Session, held from 17 to 31 July 2026:Recalling its responsibility to safeguard and advance human and peoples' rights in Africa as outlined in Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), which includes the duty of the African Commission to undertake studies and research on African problems in the field of human and peoples’ rights;Further recalling the African Commission’s mandate to develop norms and standards that guide States Parties in fulfilling their obligations under the African Charter and its Protocols;Considering Article 9 of the African Charter, which guarantees the right to express and disseminate opinions and receive information freely within the boundaries of the law;Recognizing Article 4 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol), which prohibits all forms of violence against women in private or public spaces;Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res. 522 (LXXII) 2022 on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa, which urges States to take measures to eliminate violence against women on digital platforms;Further recalling Resolution ACHPR/RES. 591 (LXXX) 2024, by which the African Commission committed to conduct a one-year continental study on the underlying causes, manifestations, and impacts of digital violence against women in Africa, and tasked the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa to undertake the said Study;Acknowledging that for States to address digital violence against women effectively, they require sufficient information and evidence concerning the nature and extent of the issue;Mindful of the fact that this evidence varies across different regions of the continent due to contextual differences;Recognizing the continent's insufficient data on digital developments and their role in violence against women;Noting that the Study, initiated in August 2024, requires additional time due to its complexity and the need for continent-wide consultations;Aware that effective completion demands adequate consultation and data collection. The African Commission:1. Extends by one (01) year the timeline for completing the continental study on digital violence against women in Africa;2. Requests the Special Rapporteurs on the Rights of Women in Africa and on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa to continue the study and present the final version at a subsequent Ordinary Session;3. Appeals to all stakeholders, including Member States, RECs, NHRIs, CSOs, and other relevant actors, to continue cooperating with the Special Rapporteurs to support the Study's completion. Done virtually on 31st July 2026