NGO Forum under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”

Participants: Over 250 NGOs, government representatives, civil society actors, and human rights defenders

Opening and Theme Overview

The Forum opened with a strong focus on reparations, emphasizing that reparations extend far beyond mere financial compensation. The opening remarks highlighted a holistic framework including acknowledgment of historical injustices, restitution for harms done, and necessary structural reforms to prevent recurrence. This theme set the tone for all deliberations during the day.

Key Discussion Topics and Highlights

Reparations: Beyond Financial Compensation

Reparations were framed as multifaceted, incorporating:

Recognition of past injustices and official acknowledgment by governments

Restitution measures aimed at restoring rights and dignity

Structural reforms targeted at systemic inequalities and institutional discrimination

The focus was placed on ensuring reparations are transformative and sustainable.

Human Rights and Democracy in Africa

Speakers detailed ongoing challenges facing human rights defenders, including repression and shrinking civic space.

The conversation highlighted the urgent need for robust democratic institutions, transparency, and good governance to safeguard rights.

Illicit Financial Flows

A critical session examined how illicit financial flows undermine African economies, enabling corruption and depriving governments of resources needed for reparative justice.

Calls were made for increased international cooperation and enforcement of financial regulations.

Civic Space and Activist Protection

Worrying trends related to government repression of civil society organizations and activists were explored.

Participants stressed strengthening legal protections and fostering an enabling environment for activism as essential to justice efforts.

Environmental Justice

The Forum addressed environmental degradation and its disproportionate impact on indigenous peoples and African communities.

Environmental rights were linked explicitly to reparations, pushing for recognition and restoration of environmental and indigenous rights.

Collective Resolutions and Commitments

Solidarity among African Nations and the diaspora was underscored as a vital pillar for pursuing justice.

Accountability mechanisms for human rights abuses and environmental harms received strong support.

Inclusivity in all justice efforts was promoted, ensuring marginalized voices are uplifted.

The day concluded with a shared commitment to:

Pursue reparations in a holistic manner combining financial, legal, social, and environmental remedies

Defend and expand civic space to protect activists and civil society networks

Advance justice initiatives benefiting both Africans on the continent and people of African descent globally

Summary

Day One of the NGO Forum successfully established a foundation of shared understanding on justice and reparations. More than 250 organizations united to address diverse but interconnected issues such as human rights, democracy, financial justice, civic space, and environmental protection. The collective spirit of solidarity and determined calls for systemic change set a promising course for the subsequent days.

A high-level delegation from international non-governmental organisations with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council paid an official visit to the city of Laayoune.

A high-level delegation from international non-governmental organisations with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council paid an official visit to the city of Laayoune. The visit aimed to learn about efforts made in the field of human development, the promotion of human rights and the development of infrastructure and social services in the region.

The visit included meetings with a number of government institutions and local human rights bodies, as well as representatives of civil society, where experiences were exchanged and development programmes were discussed that support youth and social innovation and call for the promotion of civic participation and the strengthening of human rights mechanisms.

The delegation also conducted a field tour during which it visited educational and development institutions and participated in an international seminar organised by the Independent commission of Human Rights of North Africa on strengthening the capacity of civil society in the field of human rights advocacy and advocacy before international and regional mechanisms.

The delegation expressed its satisfaction with the developments it witnessed on the ground , affirming that what it saw reflects a positive reality.

This visit reflects the keenness of international organisations to follow development and human rights directly and strengthens cooperation and partnership with all actors in the region.

Towards Sustainable Human Development in Africa: Social Inclusion, Reducing Inequalities, and Strengthening Local Dynamics

On 17 September, on the sidelines of the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, a high-level side event titled “Towards Sustainable Human Development in Africa: Social Inclusion, Reducing Inequalities, and Strengthening Local Dynamics” brought together civil society, regional institutions, and international stakeholders at the Club de la Presse. Organized by ECOSOCC, Maat for Peace, CIDH Africa, OSDES, and the NGO Major Group, the discussion highlighted pressing challenges such as poverty, weak infrastructure, and inequality while emphasizing opportunities for progress through stronger human rights institutions, women’s empowerment, good governance, and inclusive growth. Panelists shared insights on advancing Agenda 2063, and the best practices of the right of development in Northern Africa.