Resolution on the Ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Establishment of an African Court for Human and Peoples’ Rights

We the participants, at the Forum on the Participation of NGOs at the 34th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and at the 8th Book Fair on Human Rights in Africa, held at the Corinthia Atlantic Hotel, Banjul, from 3rd to 5th November, 2003,

Recalling that the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation for African Unity adopted a Protocol relating to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights establishing an African Court for Human and Peoples’ Rights, on 9 July 1998, during its 19th Ordinary Session held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso;

Noting with satisfaction that 42 Member States of the African Union have signed the Protocol relating to the African Charter for Human and Peoples Rights Establishing an African Court on Human and People’s Rights;

Considering that only 12 Member States of the African Union have ratified the said Protocol to date: South Africa, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Mali, Mauritius Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, and Uganda;

Recalling that fifteen ratifications or accessions are necessary for the entry into force of the Protocol Establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights;

Sound and urgent appeal to all the Members of the African Union to ratify the Protocol establishing an African Court for Human and Peoples’ Right at the earliest convenience;

Urge Member States of the African Union to make a declaration in accordance with article 34(6) which allows individuals and non- governmental organizations having an observer status at the Commission to present their petitions directly to the Court.

Done in Banjul, on 5 November, 2003