contexts but the rise of various challenges globally and regionally. The legitimacy of the promise of the African charter is under enormous pressure and the will and courage and capacity and skills of institutions of protection of human rights are being tested. These are extra ordinary times necessitating extra ordinary measures and there is a need, as a collective, for all Africans to reflect on the situation of human rights in Africa. Since NHRIs complement the work of the African Commission, they have an important role to play at the national level to ensure that they share best practices of human rights protection and realization amongst themselves and with the African Commission. They can do so by evidence-based research and by reporting to the African Commission. The rights in the African Charter cannot be realized at the domestic level without the support of NHRIs. Recommendations from opening ceremony: • • NHRIs to work in collaboration with the African Commission and to submit their reports to the latter Stakeholders to convene a continental conference to interrogate the state of human rights on our continent Session 1: The situation of human rights in Africa This session had presentations from different NHRIs across the continent to highlight the best practices, the challenges and recommendations. Region Discussion Northern Africa There are many human rights issues including situations of persons in places of detention and vulnerable groups, being worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, HRDs are harassed with limitations on rights and freedoms. The role of NANHRI can be a bridge between the government and CSOs to understand human rights in Africa, and in North Africa. There is need for collaboration and capacity building to strengthen the capacities of NHRIs to fulfil their mandates; and to leverage technology is important to share information and best practices. Southern Africa These are trying times for the world and our continent which is experiencing existential crisis with 2 main elements: The Covid 19 crisis and high levels of carbon in the atmosphere. In South Africa, like many other countries, they have been faced with the devastating impact of the covid 19 pandemic, that also lead to an increase in gender-based violence. Moreover, Covid-19 has also led to low voter turnout for the local elections. Eastern Africa In terms of the impact of Covid 19 on human rights, just like any other country/region, this has a huge impact on livelihoods. The NHRI in Kenya released a report in June 2021 on enforcement of lockdown and excess use of force. Covid 19 also impacted on basic rights such as access to medical facilities during curfew hours and access to essential services. In terms of human rights 7