By: Isatou Sarr
The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) has launched a new report warning that poor implementation of human rights rulings across Africa continues to deny victims justice despite landmark court decisions.
The report, titled “Making Human Rights Decisions Matter: Regional Insights and Best Practices on Implementation in Africa,” was launched on Wednesday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
The findings are based on a multi-country initiative carried out by IHRDA between 2023 and 2025, including implementation dialogues in Cameroon, Guinea, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, as well as a regional dialogue in Dakar.
According to the report, weak political will, poor enforcement systems, institutional fragmentation and low public awareness remain the major obstacles preventing the implementation of human rights decisions in Africa.
Speaking at the launch, IHRDA Executive Director Dr Musa Kika said the failure to enforce rulings continues to weaken confidence in the African human rights system.
“The gap between judgment and justice continues to undermine the credibility of the African human rights system,” he said, noting that the report offers practical recommendations aimed at improving implementation and ensuring justice for victims.
The event also featured a high-level panel discussion involving representatives of regional mechanisms, civil society organisations and national human rights institutions.
Michael Gyan Nyarko stressed the need for stronger systems to support victims whose rights have been violated, while other panelists included Emmanuel D. Joof, Mme Joseph Felistas and Dr Japhet Biegon.
The report further revealed that monetary compensation ordered by courts is among the least implemented aspects of human rights rulings across the continent.
IHRDA called on African governments, regional bodies and stakeholders to move beyond legal victories and take concrete steps to ensure that human rights decisions are fully enforced.