Judges address global geopolitical conflicts deeply affecting mankind

ARUSHA: THREE regional human rights courts in Africa, Europe and America have expressed concern over the ongoing global developments where the massive use of force is rapidly replacing rule of law.

Speaking in Arusha, the Vice President of the European Court on Human Rights (ECHR), Judge Arnfinn Bardsen, said the current geopolitical situation unfolding before mankind indicates that democracy and rule of law are falling around the world.

“We are seeing massive use of force by powerful organs that were supposed to guarantee peace,” pointed out Judge Bardsen, adding that as representatives of institutions of justice, they need to come together and address the matter urgently.

He cited the ongoing global conflicts pitting Israel against Hamas in the Middle East, Russia versus Ukraine in Eastern Europe and the recent heavy weaponry usage between the United States and Iran, all raising concern regarding excessive use of force against rule of law.

On her part, Judge Nancy Hernandez Lopez of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IAHCR) said the world is approaching a critical juncture in democracy and rule of law.

“Even as global judiciary bodies gather in Tanzania to discuss issues of common interest, there are already concerns that matters of international cooperation are being met with skepticism,” Judge Lopez explained.

According to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights Judge, in many parts of the world countries are turning into islands only handling issues of their own national interest even though most of the global problems today cross-cut beyond borders.

“For instance, matters of human rights or digital privacy or freedom of communication, transcend national precincts and must be addressed on international platforms,” Judge Lopez added.

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The President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) Justice Blaise Tchikaya, who is hosting his colleagues in Arusha said amid the ongoing global conflicts, the custodians of legal institutions have the role to protect ordinary people against unfolding events.

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is hosting the Fourth International Human Rights Forum, bringing together the African Court, the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Forum taking place at the Pan African Postal Union Complex is held within the framework of the Court’s 80th Ordinary Session, going on from 2 to 27 March 2026 at the seat of the Court in the Majengo Ward of Arusha City.

The Forum serves as a platform for the three human rights Courts to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and deepen dialogue on common challenges and emerging human rights issues.

It is convened every two years in alternating regions, hosted successively by each of the three Courts.

Previous editions were held in Kampala, Uganda (2019), Strasbourg, France (2021), and San José, Costa Rica (2023).

This year’s Forum has brought together Judges and officials from the three Courts, alongside experts, to engage in high-level discussions on various topical issues such as the impact of new technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) on human rights and governance, highlighting both opportunities and associated risks.

The three Courts will also renew their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was initially signed in San José, to reaffirm their shared commitment and collaboration in the advancement of human rights across the regions.