Resolution on Women and the Maputo Protocol
We, the participants of the NGO Forum in preparation of the 47th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
Noting the best practices to prevent human rights violations and appropriate accountability measures to address ongoing violations,
Recognizing the interconnectedness of women’s rights and that the violation of one tight can lead to the violation of others.
Endorsing the open letter to the President of Mali regarding the delays to the establishment of a family court sent by the Forum.
Taking note of states obligations to respect, protect and fulfil women’s right to health under the Protocol and to address causes and consequences of the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality and VAW.
Recognizing the importance of the UN Resolution. 1325 on women, peace and security,
Hereby Call on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to:
- Establish with its protection mandated, a Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health.
- Urge Member States to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa without reservations; urge those who have ratified to take adequate steps to domesticate and implement the Protocol and if necessary to harmonize national laws to bring them in line with the Protocol.
- Urge Member States if the African Union to ratify the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights which merges the African court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Court of Justice; and to make the declaration under Article 8 read with Article 30 (f) of the Statute permitting individuals and non-governmental organizations to submit communications directly to the Court.
- Urge Member States to take appropriate steps to operationalise UN Resolution 1325 on Women and Peace and to take note of the recommendations that were made during the 10th anniversary of the Resolution.
Done at Banjul, May 10th, 2010
