The three major international human rights courts—the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR), the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR)—have convened for the Fourth International Human Rights Forum, which began today, March 3, 2026, in Arusha, Tanzania. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation among the courts, facilitate the exchange of experiences, and address common human rights issues impacting their respective regions.
This event is taking place within the framework of the African Court's 80th Ordinary Session, running from March 2 to 27, 2026, at the Court’s headquarters in Arusha. Over the course of the two-day forum, judges and experts from the three courts will engage in discussions on a range of important human rights issues, including the impact of emerging technologies, climate change, and the ongoing threats to fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
Judge Blaise Tchikaya – President of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) opened the forum with a warm welcome to all participants, emphasizing the African Court’s 20th anniversary as a significant milestone.
He highlighted the Court’s ongoing commitment to defending human rights across Africa and its efforts to address the challenges posed by political conflicts and geopolitical issues.
"We celebrate our achievements, but we are also keenly aware of the continuing challenges in protecting human rights, especially in light of current conflicts and political instability," Judge Tchikaya remarked.
He also mentioned the upcoming relocation of the African Court’s headquarters to Lakilaki area , aimed at improving its operations and visibility.
Judge Matthias Guyomar – Vice President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), congratulated the African Court on its 20th anniversary and expressed his support for the Forum’s objectives.
He underscored the importance of collaboration between international human rights courts, particularly as the world faces rising authoritarianism and a decline in democratic values.
"We are witnessing a global trend of diminishing faith in democracy and growing authoritarianism.
As human rights courts, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that human rights continue to be upheld," said Judge Guyomar.
Judge Nancy López – Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), stressed the importance of regular meetings among international human rights courts to address the emerging challenges of the digital age, climate change, and the protection of individual freedoms.
"Technology and digital surveillance are increasingly encroaching on privacy and freedom of expression. It is crucial that we work together to develop a unified legal approach to safeguard these rights in a rapidly changing world," she noted.
The Fourth International Human Rights Forum is focusing on critical contemporary issues, including the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping human rights and governance. Judges and experts will explore both the opportunities and the associated risks that new technologies present to privacy, freedom of expression, and human rights protection.
Additionally, the three courts will renew their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was initially signed in 2023, further solidifying their collaboration in advancing human rights worldwide.
The Fourth International Human Rights Forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation among the three major international human rights courts. It reinforces their shared commitment to addressing the challenges of safeguarding human rights and the rule of law in a world marked by political, technological, and environmental changes.
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