Resolution on Enforced Disappearances
We, the participants to the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 44th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights held in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria from 7th to 9th November, 2008,
Noting with concern the alarming number of enforced disappearances on the African continent;
Noting the extreme gravity of this crime which, in certain circumstances can constitute a crime against humanity;
Noting that the perpetrators of these crimes are rarely brought to justice;
Affirming the right of all victims to know the truth surrounding the circumstances of the disappearance and to know the fate of the disappeared person, as well as the right to collect, receive and disseminate information to this end;
Noting that 19 African states have to date signed the International Convention for the protection of all persons against enforced disappearances, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 December 2006;
Recalling that the effective application of the International Convention for the protection of all persons against enforced disappearances and therefore the effective prevention of this crime will depend on the promotion and publicity of this Convention;
The NGO Forum calls on the ACHPR to adopt a resolution:
Urging States to take all the necessary measures to eradicate enforced disappearances
Urging Member States of the African Union who have not yet signed the International Convention for the protection of all persons against enforced disappearances, to:
1. Sign and Ratify the Convention without delay;
2. Refrain from entering reservations which are incompatible with its purpose and goal;
3. Recognise the jurisdiction of the new Committee on Enforced Disappearances which can deal with individual complaints; and
4. Ensure its effective implementation into national legislation;
5. Take all necessary measures to publicly support and promote the Convention;
Inviting the concerned States to provide fair and equitable compensation to victims and their families;
Urging the African Union Summit of Heads of States and Government to call on Member States to condemn and fight against impunity of perpetrators of enforced disappearances.
Done in Abuja, November 9th, 2008
