Annual Activity Report 2025 Strengthening Human Rights through Regional Cooperation and Collective Action

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CIDH AFRICA is pleased to present its Annual Activity Report for 2025, reflecting a year marked by sustained engagement, institutional consolidation, and reinforced regional and international presence in the field of human rights.

In a global and continental context characterized by persistent human rights challenges, shrinking civic space, growing inequalities, and emerging technological and security-related risks, CIDH AFRICA continued to affirm its role as an independent, credible, and principled human rights actor. Guided by international human rights law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Network pursued a strategy centered on constructive dialogue, regional cooperation, and collective civil society action.

Consolidating an Independent Human Rights Voice in Africa

Throughout 2025, CIDH AFRICA strengthened its institutional positioning as a regional platform dedicated to the promotion, protection, and advancement of human rights across North Africa and beyond. Rooted in independence, impartiality, and accountability, the Network pursued an approach that combines advocacy, capacity building, and structured engagement with regional and international human rights mechanisms.

The year was marked by intensified interaction with African Union institutions, United Nations mechanisms, academic actors, and civil society organizations. CIDH AFRICA actively contributed to policy discussions, thematic debates, and consultative processes aimed at reinforcing rights-based governance, protecting vulnerable groups, and enhancing the role of civil society in shaping human rights agendas at national, regional, and global levels.

Structured Engagement with Regional and International Mechanisms

CIDH AFRICA maintained a sustained presence within key African and international human rights platforms in 2025. The Network actively participated in the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as the African Human Rights NGOs Forum, engaging in panel discussions, thematic exchanges, and coordination meetings with civil society actors from across the continent.

At the international level, CIDH AFRICA took part in multiple United Nations processes, including the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly multi-stakeholder hearing, and thematic consultations on refugees, trafficking in persons, and the right to development. These engagements reinforced CIDH AFRICA’s commitment to multilateralism and to amplifying African civil society perspectives within global human rights deliberations.

A notable milestone in 2025 was the nomination of CIDH AFRICA’s Executive Director to the Governing Council of an African institution, reflecting recognition of long-standing expertise and reinforcing the Network’s institutional standing within continental governance and policy frameworks.

Advocacy, Dialogue, and Thematic Priorities

CIDH AFRICA’s advocacy throughout the year addressed a wide range of thematic priorities, including the right to education, reparative justice, youth, peace and security, refugees’ rights, sustainable development, cultural rights, human trafficking, and the human rights implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The Network co-organized and participated in international conferences, expert panels, and side events in Geneva, Dakar, Oslo, Malabo, and other strategic locations. These initiatives fostered dialogue among civil society actors, academics, policymakers, and international experts, while promoting rights-based solutions aligned with Agenda 2063 and global development commitments.

CIDH AFRICA also engaged with media platforms, including national television in The Gambia, and held exchanges with journalists and academic institutions to strengthen public awareness and promote informed discourse on human rights issues across Africa.

Civil Society Empowerment and Capacity Building

Capacity building remained a core pillar of CIDH AFRICA’s action in 2025. The Network organized and contributed to training sessions and academic lectures targeting youth, students, activists, and civil society organizations. These initiatives focused on international and regional human rights mechanisms, advocacy tools, and institutional engagement, aiming to empower new generations of human rights defenders and strengthen civic participation.

CIDH AFRICA’s work with youth and academic institutions, including sessions held in Geneva and Laayoune, reflected a continued commitment to education, knowledge-sharing, and the promotion of inclusive civic spaces.

Regional Presence and Institutional Partnerships

CIDH AFRICA continued to strengthen its regional presence through high-level institutional engagements, including meetings with government authorities, regional consultations, and facilitated visits by international delegations. The high-level NGO delegation visit to Laayoune illustrated the Network’s role in fostering dialogue, observation, and cooperation between civil society and public institutions at regional levels.

Through its extensive network of partner organizations, CIDH AFRICA reinforced coordination, solidarity, and collective advocacy, contributing to stronger civil society engagement across North Africa and the African continent.

A Year of Impact and Projection

The activities carried out in 2025 reflect CIDH AFRICA’s sustained commitment to advancing human dignity, justice, and equality through principled advocacy and constructive engagement. By reinforcing dialogue with regional and international mechanisms, supporting civil society actors, empowering youth, and promoting rights-based approaches to development and governance, the Network has continued to play an active role in shaping human rights discourse in Africa.

Looking ahead, CIDH AFRICA remains firmly dedicated to strengthening its institutional impact, expanding partnerships, and contributing to collective efforts aimed at building a more just, inclusive, and rights-respecting Africa. Guided by independence, integrity, and solidarity, the Network will continue to engage with stakeholders at all levels to promote human rights as a foundation for peace, development, and social cohesion.

Message from the Executive Director

The year 2025 marked an important chapter in the evolution of CIDH AFRICA as an independent regional network committed to the promotion and protection of human rights across Africa. In a context shaped by geopolitical tensions, social inequalities, democratic fragilities, and rapid technological change, the defense of human dignity has remained both an urgent responsibility and a shared collective endeavor.

Throughout the year, CIDH AFRICA continued to assert its role as a credible and principled civil society actor, grounded in international human rights law and guided by the values enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Our actions were driven by a clear conviction: that sustainable peace, inclusive development, and accountable governance cannot be achieved without the full respect of fundamental rights and freedoms.

In 2025, the Network strengthened its engagement with African and international human rights mechanisms, participating actively in the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations Human Rights Council, and other multilateral platforms. These engagements enabled CIDH AFRICA to contribute constructively to policy dialogue, amplify African civil society perspectives, and support collective efforts to address persistent and emerging human rights challenges.

At the same time, we continued to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and capacity building. By engaging with civil society organizations, academic institutions, youth, media professionals, and public authorities, CIDH AFRICA sought to reinforce inclusive approaches to human rights advocacy and to support the development of informed, resilient, and engaged civic actors. Our initiatives throughout the year reflected a commitment to strengthening cooperation across regions and sectors, recognizing that progress in human rights is built through shared responsibility and sustained collaboration.

The recognition of CIDH AFRICA’s leadership and expertise at regional and continental levels in 2025 further reinforced our institutional standing and responsibility. It also underscored the importance of independence, integrity, and professionalism in human rights work, particularly in complex and evolving environments.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our partners, member organizations, human rights defenders, and institutional counterparts for their trust, engagement, and continued cooperation. Their dedication and resilience remain a source of inspiration and a driving force behind our collective efforts.

As we look ahead, CIDH AFRICA remains firmly committed to advancing human dignity, equality, and justice across Africa. Guided by the principles of independence, impartiality, accountability, and solidarity, the Network will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders and to contribute to building a more just, inclusive, and rights-respecting future for the continent.

Dr. Naji Moulay Lahsen | Executive Director

The Network of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in North Africa (CIDH AFRICA)

CIDH Afrique, 2025 Rapport .pdf

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African Center For Democracy And Human Right Studies. Presenter: Naji Moulay Lahsen. Statement On freedom Of Expression. Interactive Dialogue with The SR Report.

Introduction

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of democratic societies. In Northern Africa, however, this right faces significant challenges. In countries such as Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Mauritania, journalists, bloggers, and other media professionals often operate in hostile environments marked by legal restrictions, intimidation, and the threat of reprisals. Governments in the region have increasingly used both legislative and extralegal measures to suppress dissent, stifle independent journalism, and silence critical voices. The following report provides a detailed overview of the current situation regarding freedom of expression in these four countries, with a particular focus on the experiences of journalists and bloggers..

Across countries In Northern Africa, authorities routinely use broad and vaguely worded laws-such as those criminalizing “fake news,” “defamation,” or “undermining national security”-to prosecute journalists, human rights defenders, opposition figures, and ordinary citizens.

The media landscape in Northern Africa is often tightly controlled. State-owned or state-aligned media dominate the airwaves, while independent outlets face constant threats of closure, censorship, or financial blocks. Journalists and bloggers who attempt to report on sensitive issues-such as corruption, human rights abuses, or government mismanagement-are frequently subjected to harassment, intimidation, and even physical violence. Self-censorship is widespread, as many fear reprisals against themselves or their families.

Digital expression is also under increasing threat. Governments have expanded their surveillance capabilities and enacted cybercrime laws that criminalize online speech. Social media users can face arrest for posts deemed critical of the authorities, and internet shutdowns or restrictions are sometimes used during periods of political unrest.

Despite these challenges, Northern Africa is home to a vibrant civil society and courageous individuals who continue to advocate for greater freedoms. Human rights organizations, independent journalists, and youth activists persist in their efforts to promote transparency, hold authorities accountable, and defend the right to free expression. Regional mechanisms, such as the African Commission’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, provide important oversight and advocacy, but their recommendations are not always implemented at the national level.

All Northern African countries have ratified most the human rights instruments but when it it come to reality it does not exist .

Tunisia

Freedom of Expression: Since President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab, Tunisia has seen a sharp decline in freedom of expression. Authorities use repressive laws, especially Decree-Law 54 on Cybercrime, to target journalists, bloggers, and critics.

Situation of Journalists and Bloggers: At least five journalists were jailed as of late 2024, a record high. Dozens of cases have been brought against media professionals for their work, with charges often related to “false news” or defamation. Notable cases include the imprisonment of journalists for social media posts and critical commentary.

Intimidation and Harassment: Journalists face frequent legal harassment, arbitrary detention, and police intimidation. The media regulator has been suspended, and journalists risk losing accreditation for critical reporting. Many resort to self-censorship due to fear of reprisals.

Algeria

Freedom of Expression: Algeria has failed to implement international recommendations on press freedom. Authorities frequently use fabricated terrorism-related charges to silence peaceful dissent, including journalists and bloggers.

Situation of Journalists and Bloggers: Journalists and activists face arbitrary arrests, prosecutions, and intimidation. The crackdown extends to peaceful assembly and association, with the government targeting those who criticize the state.

Intimidation and Harassment: Legal harassment, arbitrary detention, and threats are common. The environment has led to widespread self-censorship among media professionals.

Egypt

Freedom of Expression: Egypt remains one of the most repressive environments in North Africa for freedom of expression. The government systematically targets journalists, bloggers, and critics with arrests, prosecutions, and censorship.

Situation of Journalists and Bloggers: Journalists and bloggers are routinely detained, often without due process. Peaceful protesters and opposition voices are also targeted, with mass arrests before planned demonstrations.

Intimidation and Harassment: Intimidation includes violence, arbitrary detention, and legal reprisals. The threat of reprisals has created a climate of fear, stifling independent journalism and dissent.

Mauritania

Freedom of Expression: Freedom of expression is severely restricted. Laws on apostasy, blasphemy, and other offenses are used to limit speech and press freedom.

Situation of Journalists and Bloggers: Journalists are rarely victims of physical violence but face verbal attacks, social media harassment, and legal threats. Harassment campaigns and intimidation are frequent, especially against those reporting on sensitive topics.

Intimidation and Harassment: The authorities have been urgedto stop harassing journalists, but intimidation and threats persist. There is ongoing pressure on media professionals to avoid criticism of the government or religious issues.

بيان إلى اللجنة الأفريقية لحقوق الإنسان والشعوب، الدورة العادية الخامسة والثمانون

السيد الرئيس المحترم، والسيدات والسادة، المفوضون الكرام، والزملاء المدافعون عن الحقوق،

أقف أمامكم ممثلاً للمركز الأفريقي للديمقراطية ودراساتحقوق الإنسان، مدفوعاً بالواقع العاجل والمدمر الذي يواجهالملايين في جميع أنحاء القارة الأفريقية.

لقد أدت النزاعات المستمرة في السودان، وجنوب السودان، وجمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية، والمناطق الشاسعة فيالساحل والصحراء، إلى دفع الملايين نحو معاناة لا يمكنتصورها لا تتجلى فقط في الانتهاكات الواسعة النطاق لحقوقالإنسان، بل أيضاً في التفكك الاجتماعي والاقتصاديالعميق وانقسام المجتمعات. 

انتهاكات حقوق الإنسان في:

مناطق النزاع في السودان وجنوب السودان: 

تميزت عقود من النزاع بانتهاكات جسيمة تشمل القتل خارجنطاق القانون، والنزوح القسري، والعنف الجنسي، وتجنيدالأطفال كمحاربين. وقد دمرت هذه الانتهاكات الأسروالمجتمعات، مما أدى إلى تآكل النسيج الاجتماعي وتركالناجين في مواجهة الصدمات وانعدام الأمن 

جمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية:

الانتهاكات هناك فظيعةمجازر، الاغتصاب كأسلوب حرب، الاحتجاز التعسفي وهلم جرا...

حيث يعاني السكان المدنيون من أضرار جسدية هائلة وكذلكصدمات نفسية، تتفاقم بفعل الإفلات الواسع من العقابوضعف المؤسسات الحكومية في مناطق الساحل والصحراء،  والتي أسفرت النزاعات التي تشمل الجماعات المتطرفةوالجماعات المسلحة وتجنيد الاطفال، والعنف  الاثنى والعرقىبين المجتمعات المختلفة، وانعدام الأمن الحكومي عن أزمةإنسانية مفزعة وكذلك الهجمات على المدنيين، والاختفاءالقسري، والاختطافات شائعة، بينما أدى تهجير مجتمعاتبأكملها إلى توتر التماسك الاجتماعي والاستقرار الإقليمي.

الأثر المدمر لعمليات نقل الأسلحة:

تؤديعملياتنقلالأسلحةغيرالمشروعةوغيرالمسؤولةإلىتكثيفالمواجهاتالمسلحة،مماييسرارتكابجرائمالحربوالجرائمضدالإنسانية.وتؤديالأسلحةإلىتفاقممواطنالضعفوعرقلةالجهودالراميةإلىتحقيقالسلاموالمصالحة.ويتيحتوافرالأسلحةالمتطورةتنفيذانتهاكاتمثلالمذابحوالعنفالجنسيمعالإفلاتمنالعقابوعلىنطاقواسع.

في ظل هذه الأزمات المستمرة، يبقى موضوع العدالةوالتعويضات للضحايا مهملًا إلى حد كبير. ملايين الأشخاصتحملوا آثار النزاع ليس فقط الإصابات الجسدية ولكن أيضًاالصدمة النفسية العميقة، والحرمان الاقتصادي، والانهيارالاجتماعي حيث يعاني  الناجون من العنف الجنسي، والعائلات المشردة، والمجتمعات المتأثرة بالاختفاء القسري ويواجهون تهميشًا مستمرًا وغياب دعم حقيقي وتمثلالتعويضات لهؤلاء الضحايا طريقًا حاسمًا نحو العدالةالانتقالية والسلام المستدام. فهي ليست مجرد رمزية، بلضرورية لاستعادة حقوق وكرامة الضحايا وتمكين المجتمعاتمن التحرر من دوائر العنف والاستياء.

نحث اللجنة الأفريقية على دعم سياسات التعويضات التيتكون:

-  شاملة ومبنية على المجتمع: حيث يجب تصميم التعويضاتمن خلال استشارة حقيقية مع السكان المتضررين، بما فيذلك النساء والشباب والفئات المهمشة.

- متكاملة: يجب أن تشمل التعويضات التعويض المالي، وإعادة التأهيل، واستعادة الممتلكات أو الحقوق، وضمان عدمالتكرار من خلال الإصلاحات المؤسسية.

- مدعومة من الحكومة والشركاء: تتطلب التعويضات الفعالةالتزامًا سياسيًا وتعاونًا بين الحكومات والهيئات الإقليميةوالشركاء الدوليين.

- تعزيز حل النزاعات وحماية حقوق الإنسان: السلام هوالأساس الذي تعتمد عليه جميع حقوق الإنسان إذ يتطلبتحقيق السلام الدائم جهودًا نشطة، دقيقة، وطنية و محلية لحلالنزاعات تعالج الأسباب الجذرية وتعزز الشمولية.

وفي الاخير ندعو اللجنة الأفريقية والاتحاد الأفريقي إلى:

- دعم وتعزيز عمليات الوساطة والحوار التي يقودها الفاعلونالإقليميون والمحليون، مع تمكين النساء والشباب بشكلخاص، الذين غالبًا ما يُستبعدون من الحوارات الرسميةللسلام.

- الدعوة إلى إصلاحات في الحكم  والتي تعطي أولوية لحقوقالإنسان والعدالة الاجتماعية والديمقراطية التشاركية لمعالجةالمظالم التي تؤدي إلى النزاعات.

- تعزيز المبادرات المعنية بإعادة الإعمار بعد الصراع وفقإطار حقوق الإنسان، مع ضمان استفادة الفئات الضعيفةوالمهمشة من جهود إعادة البناء.

- إصدار إدانة قوية وصريحة لنقل الأسلحة الغير القانونيوالغير المسؤول الذي يفاقم العنف وانتهاكات حقوق الإنسانفي جميع أنحاء القارة.

- تعزيز التعاون مع الاتحاد الإفريقي والأمم المتحدة ومنظماتالمجتمع المدني لتعزيز حوكمة السيطرة على الأسلحة وآلياتالمراقبة والتنفيذ.

- حث الدول الأطراف على مراجعة وتعزيز أطرها القانونيةوقدراتها التنفيذية لتنظيم نقل الأسلحة بما يتوافق معالتزاماتها تجاه حقوق الإنسان.

- الدعوة إلى تصميم وتنفيذ سياسات شاملة للتعويضاتلضحايا النزاعات المسلحة تلبي احتياجاتهم المتعددة الأبعادوتعزز العدالة والشفاء.

- دعم تمكين وحماية المدافعين عن حقوق الإنسان ومنظماتالمجتمع المدني العاملة في المناطق المتضررة من النزاعات، وضمان سلامتهم، وصولهم، ومساحتهم التشغيلية.

وشكرا على حسن الانصات والتفهم....