|
Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Feb 2008 : 18:53:43
|
African Commission Finalises Rules For Human Rights Court
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The rules of procedure of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights are being discussed at the 4th Extra-Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) currently taking place at the Corinthia Atlantic Hotel in Banjul.
The week- long close door session, which kicked off on Sunday, February 17, is expected to give final consideration to the court’s rules of procedure and hopefully adopt them.
The African Court, which came into existence in 2006, was established by the African Union following its adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.¨
According to the Chairperson of the African Commission, Justice Sanji Mmasenono Monageng, “The African Court is already quite advanced in the elaboration of its rules of procedure”.
Regarding the African Commission, Justice Monageng said the original intention had been for the Commission to consider and adopt its rules of procedure during the 42nd ordinary session in Brazzaville, Congo, in November 2007, but its workload made it impossible.
She said, “Hence the main reason for holding this extra-ordinary session is to finalize consideration of our rules of procedure and adopt them, so that they are ready in time for our rendezvous with the African Court later this year, to harmonize the rules of procedure of the two organs”.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Justice, Alagie Sainey Susso, who read a statement on behalf of the Attorney General, said the session “is another milestone in the development of the African human rights system”.
Mr. Susso said that from establishing a commission twenty years ago, they have now seen the need for a human rights court which will consolidate the gains registered by the commission.
He said: “The promotion and protection of human rights in Africa is the primary responsibility of all and sundry because it is only when our human rights are guaranteed, promoted, protected and fulfilled that peace and development will be realised in the continent”.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 22/2008, 22 – 24 February, 2008
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
Topic Locked
