The African Union (AU) is a political and economic regional organization consisting of 55 member states with a total population of about 1.5 billion people. Its mandate includes the promotion and protection of human rights and peace and security on the continent. The AU operates through several key institutions, such as the AU Commission, the Peace and Security Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It collaborates with subregional bodies on the African continent, including subregional economic communities and other mechanisms.

Persistent political inaction on key situations has undermined the AU’s ability to effectively protect human rights. Human Rights Watch leverages its research to inform AU officials and member states, urging the implementation of policies driven by human rights considerations and that align with both regional and international norms and standards.