The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) constitutes the foundational pillar of the African regional human rights system. Established under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Commission exercises a dual mandate of promotion and protection through quasi-judicial procedures, State reporting mechanisms, and an extensive network of special mechanisms. This article examines the Commission’s legal basis, institutional structure, jurisdiction, and evolving jurisprudence, with particular emphasis on landmark communications and developments under the 2020 Rules of Procedure. It further analyses the Commission’s institutional relationship with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and assesses its continuing relevance within the African Union human rights architecture.
