The emergence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is one of the greatest developments in the defense, protection and promotion of human rights in Africa I realized this in May when I traveled to represent the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) at the 41 st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) in Accra Ghana. ACHPR meet twice every year to assess the state of human rights in Africa especially how state parties are fulfilling their obligations and commitments under the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.

Usually part of the Session is devoted to hearing reports and statements by state parties, human rights institutions, intergovernmental and non governmental organizations involved in human rights protection and promotion in the region.