The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, warmly welcomes the adoption of the Resolution on Promoting and Harnessing Data Access as a Tool for Advancing Human Rights and Sustainable Development in the Digital Age by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) during its 81st Ordinary Session. This Resolution represents a landmark achievement in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Africa’s digital future is one rooted in human rights, equity, and social justice. By recognising the transformative power of data in promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability, the ACHPR is positioning data access as a crucial tool in advancing the sustainable development agenda and safeguarding fundamental rights across the continent.
We commend the African Commission for its foresight in addressing the opportunities and risks associated with the digital era. The Resolution provides clear guidance to States Parties, urging them to adopt transparent, accountable, and rights-respecting data practices. Particularly important is the emphasis on equitable access to data, which is essential for promoting informed societies, enhancing public participation, and mitigating the risks of exclusion, particularly for marginalised and vulnerable communities. The Centre strongly supports the Commission’s call for ethical data practices, ensuring that data is used in ways that uphold human dignity, reduce bias, and protect privacy.
The Centre for Human Rights also applauds the Commission’s decision to mandate the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information to engage in consultations across Africa to develop normative standards that will guide the continent’s data governance frameworks. We look forward to contributing to these efforts as members of the African Alliance 4 Access to Data and collaborating with other stakeholders in advancing the principles outlined in the Resolution. As the continent navigates the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, the Centre remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower individuals and communities, promote human rights, and ensure that the benefits of data are harnessed for the greater good of all Africans.
For more information, please contact:
Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit
Tel: +27 (0) 12 420 4199
hlengiwe.dube@up.ac.za
