Recommendation on the Rights of Refugees in Africa

We, the participants meeting at the Forum preceding the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in Accra, Ghana on 12 – May 2007, state as follows:

Urges the African Commission to organise a fact finding mission in Darfur among other countries in need of urgent action and response,

To strengthen the AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur for its own and the security of the local IDPs. So far 45 peacekeepers and 6 UN humanitarian officials (1 local and 5 foreigners) have been abducted and killed,

Further urge the states to fast track the formulation of the regional convention on IDPs, this is expected to mainstream the UN Guiding Principles on IDPs,

To call upon the AU to harmonise the sub regional (ECOWAS and Great lakes Pact) protocols on IDPs in the above – mentioned convention to avoid duplication of efforts and confusion during ratification and enforcement,

To develop guidelines for presentation of periodical country reports to include a component of progress and compliance on IDPs and refugee issues at all levels,

The Special Rapporteur on IDPs and refugees should continue the process of mediation between Senegal, Mali and Mauritania Government to facilitate the repatriation of Mauritania refugees living in Senegal and Mali since 1989,

To further organise the return of Mauritanian refugees with the support of the Office the UN High Commission on Refugees.

Done in Accra, May 14th, 2007