AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
Commission Africaine des Droits
African Commission on Human & Peoples’
l’Homme & des Peuples
Rights
No. 31 Bijilo Annex Lay-out, Kombo North District, Western Region, P. O. Box 673, Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: (+220) 441 05 05 /+220) 441 05 06, Cellphone (+220) 2304361
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org/africancommission@yahoo.com: Web www.achpr.org
FINAL COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 71st ORDINARY SESSION OF THE
AFRICAN
COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS
Virtual Session
21 April – 13 May 2022
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de
1. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) held
its 71st Ordinary Session (the Session) virtually, from 21 April to 13 May 2022. The
Session was held virtually due to the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. The Opening Ceremony and the substantive programs of the Session were
presided over by Honourable Commissioner Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of
the Commission, with the assistance of Honourable Commissioner Maya SahliFadel, Vice-Chairperson of the Commission.
3. His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs,
Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, representing His Excellency
Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AUC, graced the Opening
Ceremony of the Session as the guest of honour.
4. The following Members of the Commission participated in the Session:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
Honourable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson;
Honourable Commissioner Maya Sahli-Fadel, Vice Chairperson;
Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso;
Honourable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem;
Honourable Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela;
Honourable Commissioner Mudford Zachariah Mwandenga;
Honourable Commissioner Marie Louise Abomo;
Honourable Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah – Njie;
Honourable Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo; and
Honourable Commissioner Idrissa Sow.
5. Statements were delivered at the Opening Ceremony by: Mrs. Hannah Forster,
Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, speaking
on behalf of the NGO Forum Steering Committee; Dr. Elasto Mugwadi,
Chairperson of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions
(NANHRI); His Excellency Mr. Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special
Representative for Human Rights; Mr. Marcel Akpovo, Regional Representative
for the East Africa Regional Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights; The Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya, Vice-President of the
African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights; The Honourable Ndayisenga
Joseph, Chairperson of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and
Welfare of the Child; His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Lamine Thiaw,
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Senegal to the African Union and
Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union,
speaking on behalf of States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights (African Charter); The Honourable Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the
Commission; His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for
Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, on behalf
of His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union
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Commission; and His Excellency Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia,
representing the host government.
6. Speaking on behalf of the NGO Forum Steering Committee, Mrs. Hannah Forster,
recalled that the Forum of NGOs, which held virtually, from 19th -20th April 2022,
had the objective of reviewing developments, sharing strategies and making
recommendations on the situation of human rights and democracy in Africa. She
condemned the violations of various rights on the continent, which were observed
to be on the increase, and also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing,
whilst inviting all stakeholders to play their parts in the fight against this virus,
while respecting the human rights of all.
7. The NGO Forum recommended that the Commission should invite States, not only
to ratify regional and international legal instruments for the protection of human
rights, but above all, to ensure the implementation of the provisions of these
treaties and the respect of the guaranteed rights thereunder. Mrs. Forster also
called for the adoption of specific laws to protect human rights defenders, increase
in the funding of community paralegals for better access to justice especially
during this period of health crisis, and increased investment in health and
educational services for the achievement of sustainable development.
8. Dr. Elasto Mugwadi, speaking on behalf of the Network of African National
Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), reviewed the human rights situation on the
continent in retrospect with a view to contributing to the consolidation of efforts
to better serve the citizens of Africa. Firstly, recalling that Africa has just celebrated
the 28th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda, Dr. Mugwadi
underscored the need to prevent and resolve conflicts for lasting peace. He also
invited everyone to learn from the past in order to avoid armed conflicts and civil
unrests in Africa. In this regard, he seized the opportunity to recall the conflicts
and unrests currently taking place in several States of the continent and to call for
action by both national and regional actors.
9. Furthermore, he noted the wave of unconstitutional changes of government in a
number of countries, especially in the West African sub-region, and called on the
African Union (AU) to lead the process of resolving these latent conflicts and avoid
possible genocides.
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10. His Excellency Mr. Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special Representative for
Human Rights, recalled the importance of peace, security, democracy, rule of law,
good governance, economic, social and cultural rights. He commended the
Commission for all the actions and resolutions adopted on the human rights
situation in Sudan and also on the various unconstitutional changes of government
in Africa, as well as on the right to food and building nutritional resilience in
Africa.
11. Mr. Eamon Gilmore pointed out that the theme of the year chosen by the AU
leaders, "The Year of Nutrition", also aligns with the European Union's Action Plan
for Human Rights and Democracy, with a focus on environmental challenges and
climate change, as well as on strengthening economic, social and cultural rights.
He further noted that the partnership between the EU and the AU and its Human
Rights Organs is rooted in common values and shared interests, and particularly
reiterated the cruciality of participation of AU human rights organs, including the
Commission, in the annual AU-EU human rights dialogue, as well as underlined
the importance of the Commission’s work as part of the African Governance
Architecture (AGA).
12. Mr. Eamon Gilmore also indicated that the EU was working towards a reinforced
cooperation with the AU on governance, in the framework of the implementation
of the EU-AU Memorandum of Understanding on Peace, Security and
Governance, especially in the wake of a series of unconstitutional changes of
governments and the need to ensure lasting peace, for which it is essential to
promote and reinforce good governance. He concluded by reiterating the EU’s
commitment to work together with the Commission, including on matters
pertaining to Business and Human Rights, as well as thanking and congratulating
all State and non-state actors who by their commendable actions contribute to the
promotion and protection of human rights.
13. Mr. Marcel Akpovo, Regional Representative for the East Africa Regional Office
of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), recalled the
great cooperation and enduring relationship between the OHCHR and the
Commission, by which the institutions complement each other in their respective
mandates to promote and protect human rights on the African continent, and
underscored that the collaboration is particularly important now in the face of the
devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the precariousness of global peace
and stability and the challenges related to the enjoyment of socio-economic rights.
14. Whilst noting with appreciation that as the COVID-19 pandemic situation
improves, a number of African countries have relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, Mr.
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Akpovo requested that efforts be made to ensure that legal and policy measures
introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19 such as states of emergency and
disaster should be lifted, and in this regard, invited the Commission to play its part
in guarding against States’ abuse of legislation and regulations that have often
been used by some States to restrict democratic and civic space under the pretext
of protecting populations from COVID-19.
15. Mr. Akpovo further requested the Commission to untiringly remind States of the
urgency to implement the minimum core obligations in respect of economic, social
and cultural rights in order to alleviate the devastation caused by the COVID-19
pandemic, and noted that the African Union’s theme of 2022 as the year of
nutrition, properly implicates the respect for all human rights, in particular
economic, social and cultural rights. In this regard, he expressed the view that the
post-COVID-19 recovery period requires the articulation of a new social contract
where human potential can be exploited to the fullest and everyone can participate
in the right to development, which is only possible if there is food and nutrition
security, and people enjoy the best attainable standard of health.
16. He called for a delicate balancing of efforts to strengthen agro-food systems and
respect for the environment and mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change,
underscoring that sustainability would be key and that the African Commission
should continuously strive to hold States accountable in this regard. He concluded
by reiterating the continued commitment of the OHCHR to support the
Commission, including through the framework of the Addis-Ababa Roadmap.
17. The Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya, Vice-President of the African Court on
Human and Peoples' Rights (the Court) in his Statement on behalf of the
Honourable Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud, reiterated the imperative of
implementing the complementary mandate of the Court and the Commission, as
conceived by the Member States of the African Union.
18. He further stated that the march towards the full realization of the “Africa we
want” is confronted with various challenges, including conflicts outside Africa and
the severe restrictions on freedoms that ensue. He noted that, in this context, the
work of the Commission was one of the most important forums for discussing the
shaping of the African discourse on freedoms that contribute to human
development. Thus, he expressed his conviction that the activities of the Session
would surely contribute to Africa further building its discourse on rights,
freedoms, duties, governance, democracy and the rule of law.
19. Honourable Ndayisenga Joseph, Chairperson of the African Committee of
Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (the Committee), recalled the
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complementarity that exists between the three human rights organs of the African
Union, namely the Commission, the Court, and the Committee. He welcomed the
first joint retreat of lawyers of the three organs, which was held from 26th to 28th
January 2022 in Maputo.
20. After a brief reminder of the Committee's activities and its next activity on the
commemoration of the Day of the African Child to be held on 16 June 2022, the
Honourable Ndayisenga stated that this year’s commemoration of this day has a
special character because it has been retained as a flagship activity of the AGA
platform. In addition, he urged States that had not yet ratified the African Charter
on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to do so and those that have made
reservations to withdraw them, so that all children in Africa can benefit from the
full and complete protection of the Charter.
21. Speaking on behalf of AU Member States - Parties to the African Charter, His
Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Lamine Thiaw, noted that the opening of this
71st Ordinary Session was taking place in a particular context, marked not only by
the commemoration of the 40 th anniversary of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples' Rights, but also by the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the African
Union. According to him, this was not only a reminder of how far we have come,
but also of the need to collaborate permanently with all actors for the promotion
and effective protection of human rights in Africa.
22. Ambassador Thiaw recalled that peace, security and human rights are mutually
reinforcing imperatives, and that respect for human rights is in the interest of all
and promotes the well-being of individuals, the stability of societies and the
harmony of peoples. In this regard, he urged all parties concerned with the
promotion and protection of human rights, particularly Member States, not only
to respect their obligations but also to implement the decisions of the Commission
and comply with its recommendations.
23. In his opening address, Honorable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu,
Chairperson of the Commission, at the outset, expressed his gratitude to the
Tanzanian Government, for providing support to the Commission in having
Swahili interpretation for its Session for the first time in its history, by availing
Swahili interpreters.
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24. Speaking on the human rights situation on the continent, the Chairperson of the
Commission deplored: the resurgence of the overthrow of constitutional and
democratic orders on the continent; armed conflicts; the continuing situation of
serious and massive human rights violations in the Sahel countries due to terrorist
attacks and acts; violations of freedoms of expression, association and assembly,
as well as reprisals against human rights defenders in many countries; the
resurgence of waves of xenophobic acts and systematic attacks targeting nationals
of other African countries living in South Africa; the political situation in the
Republic of the Sudan; recently marked acts of violence during social
demonstrations which have caused loss of life and significant material damage; the
impact of climate change on human rights; the situation of migrants and asylum
seekers; and the continuous negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which
often have serious repercussions on the stability of institutions, societies and the
implementation of human rights.
25. The Chairperson then urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and regional
and international cooperation, and to provide appropriate solutions for the
preservation of human rights and public freedoms. Also, in relation to COVID-19,
Honourable Commissioner Lumbu saluted the work of the African Center for
Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the African Union, for all the efforts
made in the fight against COVID-19; and reiterated the Commission’s call for the
permanent observation of barrier measures to protect our citizens and
communities from the scourge of the pandemic.
26. On the diplomatic front, Honourable Remy Ngoy Lumbu expressed deep concern
over allegations of ill-treatment and segregation of African nationals in accessing
the various means of transport available, to leave the embattled Ukrainian
territory, in order to seek refuge in safe neighbouring countries. The Chairperson
of the Commission then called on the international community and the
international institutions cooperating with the Commission, as well as the African
Union, to support the States Parties to the African Charter in providing better
protection and assistance to African nationals still wishing to leave the combat
zones.
27. Conversely, with regard to positive developments on the human rights situation
on the continent, the Chairperson of the Commission welcomed and
congratulated, in particular, the adoption by the African Union of the Protocol to
the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Citizens to
Social Protection and Social Security, as well as the ratifications by Burundi,
Cameroon and Rwanda of the protocols to the African Charter on the Rights of the
Older Persons and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He also appreciated: the
slight reduction in the number of security incidents in the Sahel countries in recent
months, despite that the security situation in these countries remains precarious;
the various steps taken by the Ethiopian government towards a peaceful resolution
of the conflict in the Tigray region; the peaceful and successful organisation of the
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legislative elections in The Gambia; and the accession of the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) to the Community of East African States.
28. In conclusion, Honourable Remy Ngoy Lumbu lauded all the work carried out
under the leadership of his predecessor – Honourable Commissioner Solomon
Ayele Dersso, particularly in relation to the impact of Covid 19 on human rights,
and welcomed the continuation during this year of interactions with the Moroccan
authorities in light of existing decisions of the Executive Council of the African
Union, as well as the adoption by the AU of the theme of the year 2022 on
“Strengthening resilience in terms of nutrition and food security on the African
continent: Strengthening agriculture, accelerating human capital, social and
economic development".
29. Delivering the opening speech of the Session on behalf of His Excellency Moussa
Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and
Security of the African Union Commission, expressed his sincere congratulations
to His Excellency President Adama Barrow, his Government and the people of the
Republic of The Gambia for the peaceful elections that took place in the Republic
of The Gambia. He also commended the Honourable Commissioner Remy Ngoy
Lumbu, Chairperson of the Commission, and his team of Honourable
Commissioners for their unwavering commitment to the promotion and
protection of human rights on the continent by holding regular ordinary sessions
despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
30. In the face of continuing human rights violations, Ambassador Adeoye
encouraged Member States to ensure that all legal instruments that they have
freely ratified become part of their domestic laws, so that the rights and duties
contained in these instruments become applicable and enforceable in their national
courts. He also called on Member States to give permanent permission to the
Commission to undertake country visits, so as to dialogue on human rights issues
with the countries’ authorities, with a view to finding effective remedies to their
human rights challenges.
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31. His Excellency Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International
Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia, speaking on
behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, welcomed the participants to
the 71st Ordinary Session of the Commission. He then congratulated the newlyelected Bureau and Members of the Commission, and commended the immediatepast Chairperson of the Commission, for his service in promoting the mandate of
the Commission.
32. The Honourable Minister recalled that the year 2022 marks the 34 th year since the
establishment of the Commission and the 31st year after the inauguration of its
Headquarters in Banjul, The Gambia. On this note, he called on stakeholders to
renew their commitments and as well embark on a diligent reflection on the
indispensable roles of the Commission as epitomized in the Banjul Charter,
expressing the optimism that doing so will re-validate the reality that the
Commission has a positive impact on our collective quest and conscience, toward
the respect and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the
consolidation of democratic gains on the African continent.
33. His Excellency Tangara observed that recent negative developments on the
continental political landscape further compel an unadulterated re-evaluation of
the continental governance mechanisms, citing in particular, the re-emergence of
unconstitutional changes of government witnessed on the continent in the past
year - a phenomenon which he stated, was perceived to have been permanently
extricated from our national polities and contestations for political power. Whilst
calling for a condemnation of such developments, he called for an equally vigorous
examination of all the facets of our governance frameworks and the evolving
transformations of our social construct and contracts, and for particular attention
to the underlying agitations and aspirations that gave the space for the security
personnel in the affected countries to abrogate constitutional order and legitimacy.
34. His Excellency Tangara therefore called for due attention to early warning signs of
political decay and the consequent social and security fractures on the continent,
and in this regard, for the recalibration by members of the AGA Platform, of their
approaches to strengthening the nexus between peace, security, governance, and
development, noting in particular, the Commission’s central role in this Platform,
and its potential contributions to the acceleration of the momentum due to the
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amalgamation of the Department of Peace and Security and the Department of
Political Affairs of the African Union Commission.
35. On developments in relation to the Gambia, the Honourable Minister indicated
that The Gambia has recently assumed its position as a member of the AU Peace
and Security Council (PSC) for the term 2022-2024, and is determined to strengthen
the correlation between democratic governance and sustainable peace and
security, whilst encouraging the African Commission and its AGA Platform
partners to regularly engage the PSC beyond the customary annual briefings to the
Council. He also affirmed The Gambia’s support to the ongoing reform of the AU,
especially in the context of the initiatives earmarked for the Commission, and
equally re-emphasized the commitment of the Government of The Gambia to
fulfill the obligations under the Hosting Agreement.
36. In conclusion, the Honourable Minister recounted Gambia’s commitments and
initiatives towards meeting its national obligations under the African Charter, and
highlighted some of legal and institutional reforms put in place by the Government
since 2017, to create the requisite environment for the free exercise of the human
rights and fundamental freedoms of the Gambian people.
37. His Excellency Tangara, concluded his statement by thanking all the participants
for their presence at the virtual Session, with an expression of hope to convene
physical future sessions with the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic, and on this
note, he declared open the 71st Ordinary Session of the Commission and wished
the participants fruitful deliberations.
38. A total of Six Hundred and Ninety-five (695) delegates attended the 71st Session
including: One hundred and Fifty-Four (154) representing Thirty-Three (33) States
Parties; four (4) representing AU Organs; none (0) representing Regional
Economic Communities; One Hundred and Thirty-Four (134) representing NHRIs;
Forty-Five (45) representing International and Inter-Governmental Organisations;
Three Hundred and Fourteen (314) representing African and International NGOs;
Forty-One (41) representing other observers, three (3) of which were from the
Media.
39. Representatives of the following eight (8) States Parties made statements on the
human rights situation in their respective countries, namely: Angola; Malawi;
Burkina Faso; Algeria; Tanzania; Ethiopia; Eritrea and Sahrawi Arab Democratic
Republic.
40. Representatives of eighteen (18) NHRIs with Affiliate Status with the Commission
made statements on the human rights situation in their respective countries,
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namely: National Human Rights Commission of Mauritania; National Council for
Human Rights, Algeria; Uganda Human Rights Commission; Kenya National
Commission on Human Rights; The National Human Rights Commission of Cote
d’Ivoire; National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship of Cape Verde;
National Human Rights Commission of Mali; National Commission for Human
Rights and Freedoms, Cameroon; Nigerien National Commission on Human
Rights and Fundamental Liberties; Beninese Human Rights Commission; Malawi
Human Rights Commission; National Human Rights Commission of Mauritius;
National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria; National Human Rights
Commission for Rwanda; The National Commission for Human Rights of The
Sudan; Ethiopian Human Rights Commission; The National Human Rights
Commission of The Gambia; and Sahrawi National Commission for Human
Rights.
41. Twenty-four (24) NGOs that have Observer Status with the Commission made
statements on the human rights situation in Africa.
42. A representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a
specialized international organisation, having observer status with the
Commission, also made a statement.
43. Eritrea, Ethiopia and Mauritania exercised their rights of reply.
44. Several panel discussions on various themes were organised during the Session,
with a view to strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights on the
continent, as follows:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
Panel Discussion on the Prevention of unconstitutional change of
Government in Africa: Role of the ACHPR;
Panel Discussion on Sustainable Development and Human Rights in
Africa: How to ensure accountability of States and Business Entities;
Panel Discussion on to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the
Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities and Minorities
in Africa;
Panel Discussion on the Ratification of the Protocols on Older Persons and
Persons with Disabilities in Africa;
Panel Discussion on Conditions of Prisons and Places of Detention in
Africa;
Panel Discussion on the 10th Anniversary of the Addis Ababa Road Map;
Panel Discussion on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Africa;
Panel Discussion on the implications of migration on statelessness in
Africa; and
Joint Panel Discussion on the Death Penalty and the Prevention of Torture
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45. The Commission reported on the status of its relationship and cooperation with
NHRIs. It also provided an update on the status of submission of activity reports
by NHRIs and NGOs.
46. Given that the Commission did not consider any application for affiliate status at
this Session, the total number of national institutions specializing in human rights
with affiliate status with the Commission remains thirty-three (33).
47. In accordance with its Resolution on the Criteria for Granting and Maintaining
Observer Status to Human Rights NGOs in Africa, the Commission granted
Observer Status to three (3) NGOs, namely:
i.
ii.
iii.
The Studies In Poverty And Inequality Institute – (SPII)
International Federation of Women Lawyers – (FIDA); and
The Cape Verdean Child Rights Coalition – (CCDC).
This brings the total number of NGOs, which have observer status with the
Commission, to five hundred and forty-one (541).
48. The Commission also provided an update on the status of submission of Periodic
Reports by States Parties.
49. In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, the Commission considered
the Periodic Report of the following State Party:
i.
The Twelfth and Thirteenth Combined Periodic Reports of the Republic of
Kenya under the African Charter, and the Initial Report under the Protocol
to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol).
50. Members of the Commission presented their intersession reports highlighting the
activities undertaken in their capacity as Commissioners, Commissioner
Rapporteurs and mandate holders of Special Mechanisms:
51. Presentation of these Reports generated reactions, contributions and questions
from State Delegates and Civil Society Organisations.
52. During its private Session, the Commission considered and adopted the following
documents, with comments and/or amendments:
i. Report of the Chairperson of Working Group on Communications (WGC);
ii. Communications Audit Narrative Report;
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iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Report of the Secretary to the Commission ;
Submission on Governance issues at the Commission;
Report on Staff and Budgetary Matters; and
Guidelines on the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances in
Africa.
53. The Commission also considered and discussed the following documents:
i. Elements of the Draft Joint General Comment on Female Genital Mutilation;
ii. Draft Guidelines on Shadow Reporting;
iii. Paper and Letter on Position on Complementarity between the Commission
and the Court; and
iv. Report on Decisions of the 69th & 70th OS.
54. Furthermore, the Commission considered the following Communications:
On the Merits:
i. Communication 470/14 - Ibrahim Almaz Deng & 6 Others
(Represented by Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa)
v. The Republic of the Sudan; and
ii. Communication 588/15 - Minority Rights Group International and
Environnement Ressources Naturelle et Développement (on behalf of
the Batwa of Kahuzi Biega National Park, DRC) v. Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC).
On Admissibility :
iii. Communication 733/19 - Cyrille Ndayirukiye (represented by Armel
Nyongere and Bernard Maingain) vs. Republic of Burundi;
iv. Communication 650/17- Divine Chi and 74 Others (represented
by Professor Carlson Anyangwe) v The Republic of Cameroon;
v. Communication 680-17 - Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of
the Biafra v. The Federal Republic of Nigeria; and
vi. Communication 700/18: - IHRDA and others v. Democratic Republic of
Congo.
On Seizure
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vii. Communication 782/22 – Legal
Action
Worldwide,
Pan
African Lawyers Union & nd Debevoise & Plimpton LLP v. The Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
viii. Communication 769/21 – Bernard Busokoza (represented by
Maître Lambert Nigarura & IHRDA v. Republic of Burundi; and
ix. Communication 790/22 – Ahmed Adel and Mo’Tassem-Bell v. The
Arab Republic of Egypt.
55. Furthermore, the Commission held discussions on the modalities for conducting
an induction/knowledge-sharing exercise for its members on the new practices of
the Commission and the wider AU, and as well held capacity building
engagements with some of its partner institutions, as follows:
i. Engagement with Association pour la prévention de la torture (APT) on the
Mendez Principles;
ii. Briefing on the joint AU/World Bank/OHCHR programme on Integrating
Human Rights into the Continental Early Warning System; and
iii. ICRC Engagement with the Commission on International Humanitarian Law:
Thematic Session on the legal qualification of situations of violence for the
Members of the Commission.
56. The Commission adopted the following Resolutions:
i. Resolution on the Need to Conduct a Study on Extrajudicial Killings in Africa;
and
ii. Resolution on the Renewal of the Mandate and Expansion of the Composition
of the Commission of Inquiry
57. The Commission decided to hold its 72nd Private Ordinary Session from 12th -26th
July 2022 and its 73rd Public Ordinary Session from 20th October-09th November
2022. Details of the formats and modalities for these Sessions will be made
available on the Commission’s website in due course.
58. The Commission expresses its sincere gratitude to States Parties, international
organisations, NHRIs, NGOs and all stakeholders who participated in this virtual
Ordinary Session.
59. The Closing Ceremony of the 71st Ordinary Session took place virtually on 13th
May 2022.
Done in Banjul, on 13th May
2022
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