Resolution on Human Rights Defenders
We the participants at the Forum on the participation of the NGO’s in the 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission of Human Rights and the 6th Human Rights Book Fair, held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Banjul, from October 14th – 16th, 2002;
Note with concern that Human Rights Defenders are subjected to attacks and harassments in many African countries,
Aware of the fact that these violations on the rights of Human Rights Defenders are often committed with impunity,
Mindful of the urgent need for the African Commission to ensure that state parties ensure proper protection for Human Rights Defenders,
The participants reiterate their demand to see the Commission adopt a resolution establishing a mechanism of protection for human rights defenders having mandate to:
Spread the Declaration of Nations on Human Rights Defenders adopted in 1998.
Gather information on Human Rights Defenders in Africa.
Investigate the violation of the rights of Human Rights Defenders.
Set up a mechanism of warning and rapid response enabling the gathering of cases of violations from which the Defenders of Human Right suffer.
The participants pledge to transmit to the Commission complete and actualised documented reports on the general situation of Defenders in their countries, areas of action as well as individual cases.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia 16th October 200
