AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights
Commission Africaine des Droits de l’Homme & des Peuples
48, Kairaba Avenue, P. O. Box 673, Banjul, The Gambia Tel: (220) 4392 962; Fax: (220) 4390 764 E-mail: achpr@achpr.org; Web
www.achpr.org
FINAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE 6th EXTRA-ORDINARY SESSION OF THE
AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS,
HELD IN BANJUL, THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA
FROM 30 MARCH TO 3 APRIL 2009
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1. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African
Commission), held its 6th Extra-ordinary Session in Banjul, the Republic of
The Gambia, from 30 March to 3 April 2009.
2. Honourable
Commissioner
Justice
Sanji
Mmasenono
Monageng,
Chairperson of the African Commission, chaired the deliberations of the
Session.
3. The following Members attended and participated in the 6th Extra-ordinary
Session;
Commissioner Angela Melo – Vice Chairperson;
Commissioner Bahame Tom Mukirya Nyanduga;
Commissioner Mumba Malila;
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Commissioner Reine Alapini-Gansou;
Commissioner Musa Ngary Bitaye;
Commissioner Catherine Dupe Atoki;
Commissioner Soyata Maiga;
Commissioner Kayitesi Zainabo Sylvie.
4. The following Commissioners were absent with apologies
Commissioner Pansy Tlakula;
Commissioner Yeung Kam John Yeung Sik Yuen.
5. In welcoming Commissioners to this Extra-ordinary Session, Honourable
Commissioner Justice Sanji Mmasenono Monageng, noted that most of the
Commissioners were able to travel to Banjul, despite their very busy
schedule. The Chairperson, on behalf of the Members of the African
Commission, and on her own behalf, also expressed gratitude to the
Government of the Republic of The Gambia for hosting the 6th Extraordinary Session.
6. The Chairperson noted that the Commission was meeting to clear some
urgent pending matters, especially the consideration of mission reports and
pending communications.
7. After consideration and adoption of the agenda and the draft organization
of work, Commissioner Alapini Reini-Gansou was appointed the
Rapporteur of the Session with responsibility to prepare both the Session
Report and the Final Communiqué.
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8. At the request of the Chairperson, Commissioner Reine Alapini-Gansou
gave a brief report on the presentation of the budget at the various meetings
of the budget sessions of the African Union in December 2008 and January
2009, which she attended with Commissioners Angela Melo and Soyata
Maigya respectively, on behalf of the African Commission.
9. Following the report by Commissioners Reine Alapini-Gansou and Angela
Melo, the Commission agreed to form a Committee on Budget and Staff
Matters that will oversee the drawing up of the Commission’s budget,
activities of Commissioners and the implementation of the new structure of
the African Commission as adopted by the Executive Council of the African
Union in Decision EX.CL/490 (XIV).
10. The following individuals were appointed of members of the Committee
on Budget and Staff Matters:
Commissioner Angela Melo – Chairperson;
Commissioner Musa Ngary Bitaye – member;
Commissioner Reine Alapini-Gansou – member;
Commissioner Kayitesi Zainabo Sylvie – member;
Secretary to the Commission – member;
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Admin and Finance Officer – member; and
•
A Senior Legal Officer – member.
11. The Commission then examined Promotion Mission Reports and
Communications.
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12. The Commission considered and adopted the following reports:
•
Report of Promotion Mission to the Republic of Ghana;
•
Report of the Promotion Mission to the Republic of Mali;
13. The Commission adopted with amendments decisions on the Merits of
three Communications and decided to be seized of six Communications.
14. The African Commission expresses its sincere appreciation and profound
gratitude to the Government and People of the Republic of The Gambia
for the facilities placed at its disposal and for their warm welcome and
hospitality.
15. The African Commission also thanked those who contributed to the
success of the 6th Extra-ordinary Session, especially the interpreters,
translators and the entire staff of the Secretariat of the African
Commission.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia, 3 April 2009
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