Resolution on the Hissène Habré case

The NGO Forum meeting on the 10, 11 and 12 November 2007 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo,

Recalling the decision by the United Nations Committee against Torture in May 2006 according to which Senegal had so far failed to discharge its obligations as a State Party to the 1984 Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by failing to try Hissène Habré;

Welcoming the decision by the African Union in July 2006 requesting the Senegalese authorities to discharge their international obligations by trying Hissène Habré in Senegal;

Considering the many years the Chadian victims have been waiting for their rights to fair trail to be respected;

Considering the adoption by Senegal of legislative amendments enabling the Senegalese courts to try the most serious crimes committed by a foreigner outside of Senegalese territory; and welcoming the decision taken by the Senegalese authorities to organise the said trial in Senegal in accordance with the international obligations of the State.

The NGO Forum is asking the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights to adopt a Resolution:

1. Requesting the Senegalese authorities to speed up the arrangements for Hissène Habré’s trial, particularly by adopting a public timetable for the various stages of the procedure;
2. Requesting the Senegalese authorities to adopt all necessary measures to ensure that the Hissène Habré trial is seen as an example and to respect all international standards in force;
3. Requesting the international community to provide Senegal with all the necessary means to enable the speedy and exemplary trial of Hissène Habré;
4. Deciding to remain seized of this matter.

Done in Brazzaville, November 12th, 2007