The President of the African Bar Association (AfBA), High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, has called for stronger international cooperation among lawyers and human rights advocates to combat state-sponsored violence, political repression, and racial discrimination. Mark made this appeal at the annual conference of the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL), held from October 8 to 10, 2026, at the City University of New York School of Law in the United States. The conference theme was "Organising Intergenerational Warriors Against State-Sponsored Violence and Political Repression— Here and Abroad".
Mark emphasized the need for collective action across generations, borders, and institutions to protect fundamental human rights and strengthen the rule of law. He highlighted the shared bond between Africa and Black communities in America, rooted in history, ancestry, struggles, and a common aspiration for freedom, dignity, and justice. This bond, he noted, was a foundation for collaborative efforts to address common challenges.
The AfBA President acknowledged the significant contributions of Black Americans to the development of the United States in various fields, including law, science, education, business, politics, and culture. However, he expressed concern over persistent racial prejudice, discriminatory profiling, and unequal treatment faced by Black communities in America. These issues, he argued, undermined the principles of justice and equality.
Mark further argued that no society could achieve genuine prosperity where justice was unequal and people's treatment by state institutions was influenced by their skin color. He stressed that the struggle for justice and equality was not limited to national borders but was a global challenge that required a collective response. The AfBA, he reaffirmed, was committed to supporting the NCBL's pursuit of equal treatment, accountability in public institutions, access to justice, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
The AfBA President urged participants at the conference to renew their commitment to courageous advocacy and intergenerational solidarity. He emphasized that the struggle for justice transcended national boundaries and required a sustained and collective effort. By working together, Mark believed that it was possible to create a future where equality, justice, and human dignity were guaranteed for Black communities in America and people across the world.
Mark's call for global cooperation and collective action was well-received by participants at the conference. The NCBL, he noted, had been a long-standing partner in the pursuit of justice and equality, and the AfBA was committed to strengthening this partnership. Together, the two organizations aimed to promote a culture of human rights, accountability, and justice.
The conference provided a platform for lawyers, human rights advocates, and other stakeholders to share experiences, best practices, and strategies for combating state-sponsored violence and political repression. Mark's address was seen as a significant contribution to the discussions, highlighting the need for a global alliance against state repression and racial discrimination. The outcome of the conference is expected to inform future efforts to promote justice, equality, and human rights.
Key points
- The AfBA President calls for global cooperation to combat state-sponsored violence and racial discrimination.
- Mark emphasizes the shared bond between Africa and Black communities in America in the pursuit of justice and equality.
- The AfBA reaffirms its commitment to supporting the NCBL's pursuit of equal treatment, accountability, and access to justice.
