The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is set to undertake sensitization visits to the Union of Comoros and the Republic of Zimbabwe between 7-8 August and 14-15 August 2019 respectively, with a view to promoting the Pan African Judicial Organ.
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights was established by virtue of Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
In a statement by its President, Hon Justice Sylvain Oré which was made available to Blueprint from Arusha Tanzania, the visit is expected to help raise awareness of the court’s existence and encourage African States to ratify the protocol establishing the court.
It is also expected to make the declaration allow individuals and others to access the Court directly
“The president of the court was quoted as saying: ‘’For the Court to discharge its mandate effectively and further strengthen the African human rights system, a greater number of countries must ratify the Protocol and make the Declaration under Article 34(6),’’
The Comoros ratified the Protocol on 23 December 2013 but is yet to make the Declaration, whereas Zimbabwe is yet to ratify the Protocol and make the Declaration.
During the mission, the delegation led by Justice Oré which includes Justice Ben Achour and senior Registry officials, will pay courtesy calls on key officials, including the President, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Justice and the Speaker of Parliament, among others.
Since the adoption of the Protocol in June 1998, 30 of 55 AU member states have ratified it and only nine state parties to the protocol have made the declaration under Article 34(6).
The Court is composed of 11 judges, nationals of member states of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.
