Pan African Lawyers Union - PALU

09/06/2026

Momentum Builds for PALU Annual Conference 2026

The Executive Committee of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) convened today under the leadership of President Tewodros Tulu to review matters arising from previous Executive Committee meetings and advance preparations for the highly anticipated PALU Annual Conference 2026.

With planning now well underway, the Executive Committee and the Continental Organising Committee are taking a more active role in shaping this year's Conference, working to deliver a dynamic programme that brings together legal professionals, policymakers, judges, academics, business leaders, and development partners from across the continent and beyond.

Discussions focused on key organisational and strategic priorities, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a landmark gathering dedicated to advancing justice, human rights, the rule of law, regional integration, and Africa's development aspirations.

Exciting announcements are on the horizon. The official venue, programme highlights, distinguished speakers, registration details, and other important information will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned, the countdown to PALU Annual Conference 2026 has begun, and this year's edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

🌍 Happy World Environment Day 2026!

Today, PALU joins the global community in recognizing that environmental protection is not only an ecological imperative, it is a human rights imperative.

Across Africa, communities are increasingly facing the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental degradation. Protecting our environment means protecting livelihoods, health, dignity, and the rights of present and future generations.

As legal practitioners and advocates for justice, we believe that law and accountability have a critical role to play in advancing climate justice, environmental governance, and sustainable development across the continent.

This World Environment Day, let us recommit to building a greener, more just, and more resilient Africa.

🌱 The future we want depends on the actions we take today.

Africa PALU

🌍 Bonne Journée mondiale de l’environnement 2026 !

Aujourd’hui, l’Union panafricaine des avocats (PALU) se joint à la communauté internationale pour rappeler que la protection de l’environnement n’est pas seulement un impératif écologique ; elle est aussi un impératif en matière de droits humains.

Partout en Afrique, les communautés sont de plus en plus confrontées aux effets du changement climatique, de la perte de biodiversité, de la pollution et de la dégradation de l’environnement. Protéger notre environnement, c’est protéger les moyens de subsistance, la santé, la dignité et les droits des générations présentes et futures.

En tant que praticiens du droit et défenseurs de la justice, nous estimons que le droit et la responsabilité jouent un rôle essentiel dans la promotion de la justice climatique, de la gouvernance environnementale et du développement durable à travers le continent.

En cette Journée mondiale de l’environnement, réaffirmons notre engagement à bâtir une Afrique plus verte, plus juste et plus résiliente.

🌱 L’avenir que nous voulons dépend des actions que nous menons aujourd'hui.

04/06/2026

When Partnerships Raise the Bar

Exploring new avenues for collaboration between the Belgian Embassy and Africa's legal profession to advance justice, strengthen institutions, and uphold the rule of law.

PALU was honoured to host Peter Huyghebaert, Ambassador of Belgium to Tanzania, Malawi, Mauritius and Zambia, and Deputy Head of Mission Benjamin Sturtewagen, for a dynamic exchange on partnerships and regional opportunities to strengthen the rule of law in Tanzania, East Africa, and across the African continent.

As the continental voice of Africa's bar associations, law societies, and legal professionals, PALU knows that when we raise the Bar, we do more than strengthen the legal profession, we strengthen justice, governance, and the institutions that underpin democratic societies.

What started as a meeting became a far-reaching conversation on the future of the rule of law, access to justice, and legal sector development. The energy in the room made one thing clear: there is significant common ground, and this conversation is far from over.

Some discussions end with a handshake. The most impactful ones begin there.

03/06/2026

A major milestone has been reached in Africa's landmark Climate Change Advisory Opinion proceedings before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, filed by PALU in collaboration with the Africa Climate Platform (ACP).

As the main Applicant in this historic case, PALU welcomes the latest developments from the Court, which has now received submissions and amicus briefs from African States, African Union organs, United Nations bodies, international organisations, civil society groups, scholars, and climate justice experts from across the globe.

📌 More States have filed observations.
📌 Key AU institutions have submitted their views.
📌 UN Special Rapporteurs and international bodies have joined the proceedings.
📌 Dozens of civil society organisations, researchers, and experts have been admitted as amici curiae.

The unprecedented level of participation demonstrates the growing recognition that climate change is not only an environmental issue—it is a human rights, development, and justice issue for Africa and the world.

This Advisory Opinion has the potential to shape the future of climate justice, environmental governance, and human rights protection across the continent for generations to come.

PALU & AfCP remain committed to ensuring that African voices, experiences, and aspirations are at the centre of this historic process.

Read our full update on the latest developments and what they mean for climate justice in Africa:https://www.lawyersofafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/20260602_Press-Release-on-status-of-AO-on-climate-change.pdf

01/06/2026

🚨 A new report reveals that illicit deforestation is driving billions of dollars in illicit financial flows from Global South countries already facing debt pressures and the climate crisis.

Findings from the Financial Transparency Coalition show that illegal timber and agricultural activities in Brazil and Cameroon alone are linked to hundreds of millions to over US$1 billion annually, with actual figures likely higher due to persistent financial secrecy.

Key insights include:
⛔ Illegal deforestation is embedded in global soy, beef, and timber supply chains

⛔Companies linked to sanctioned operators continue accessing international markets

⛔Weak transparency on land and corporate ownership conceals the real beneficiaries of forest loss

⛔Forest-related activities contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions

The report warns that while forest loss can be tracked geographically, opaque financial and corporate structures prevent accountability, enabling illicit profits to move through global systems undetected.
It calls for urgent reforms, including:
✔ Public beneficial ownership registers
✔ Stronger tax and supply chain transparency
✔ A global asset registry
✔ Disclosure of environmental offences and enforcement data

Greater transparency is essential to close the accountability gap driving deforestation and illicit financial flows.

Read Full Report Here https://sl1nk.com/1b6mf33
Financial Transparency Coalition

29/05/2026

🌟 Today, we proudly celebrate Ruth Ogbewekon, Focal Point for Research and Publications, as PALU’s first PALUNEER.

This recognition reflects Ruth’s outstanding demonstration of PALU’s values of Collaboration and Impact, together with Professionalism and Excellence.

Her commitment, dedication, and service continue to make a meaningful contribution to PALU’s mission.

🎉 Congratulations, Ruth. Your example inspires us all.

25/05/2026

Happy Africa Day! 🌍

Today, PALU celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and voices that make Africa truly unique.

As Africa’s legal community, we remain committed to advancing justice, unity, human rights, and good governance across the continent.

May this Africa Day remind us of our shared heritage, collective strength, and responsibility to build a just and prosperous Africa for all.

Happy Africa Day from the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU).

HumanRights RuleOfLaw GoodGovernance

Bonne Journée de l’Afrique ! 🌍

Aujourd’hui, la communauté du PALU célèbre la richesse des cultures, des traditions, des langues et des voix qui rendent l’Afrique véritablement unique.

En tant que communauté juridique africaine, nous demeurons engagés à promouvoir la justice, l’unité, les droits humains et la bonne gouvernance à travers le continent.

Que cette Journée de l’Afrique nous rappelle notre héritage commun, notre force collective et notre responsabilité partagée de bâtir une Afrique juste et prospère pour tous.

Bonne Journée de l’Afrique de la part du PALU.

JournéeDeLAfrique PALU AvocatsDAfrique UnitéAfricaine JusticeEnAfrique DroitsHumains ÉtatDeDroit BonneGouvernance

22/05/2026

PALU welcomes the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution A/80/L.65 operationalizing the ICJ Advisory Opinion on climate change. With 141 states voting in favour and only 8 against, the vote marks a significant moment for climate justice and international law.

The resolution reflects growing recognition that climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also one of legal obligation, human rights, and intergenerational justice.

At the same time, the voting patterns exposed important geopolitical and economic divides, including within Africa and the wider Global South. While many states strongly backed climate accountability, others abstained or opposed the resolution amid concerns over legal liability, reparations, sovereignty, and development priorities.

Though non-binding, the ICJ Advisory Opinion is likely to shape future global climate governance and ongoing discussions on states’ human rights obligations in the climate crisis, including before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

18/05/2026

🌍⚖️ Last week, the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) participated in the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Banjul.

Over the course of the Session, the PALU delegation François J. Godbout, Director of Programmes, Ruth Ogbewekon, Focal Point for Research & Publications, and Sarah Peeters, Programme Officer for Human and Peoples’ Rights actively engaged in advocacy efforts advancing the protection and promotion of human rights across Africa.

🤝 The engagements provided an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strengthening regional commitments towards justice, accountability, and the rule of law on the continent.