Arusha, 03 September 2024: The African Court on Human & Peoples’ Rights (the Court /AfCHPR) and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on Tuesday 3 September 2024, signed a Framework Agreement (Agreement) to enhance collaboration and synergy between the two African Union (AU) organs.
The President of the Court Hon Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud and the President of PAP Hon Chief Fortune Z Charumbira, signed the Agreement on behalf of the two organs at the commencement of the 74th Ordinary Session of the Court which is being held at its seat in Arusha – Tanzania.
In her remarks, Hon Justice Aboud said the Agreement marks a significant step in the partnership between the two African Union organs, who represent the legislature and the judiciary in their joint quest for promoting justice, respect for human rights and good governance in Africa.
“Our gathering marks a pivotal step in our attempt at enhancing our collective efforts to advance human rights and uphold the shared values of the African Union across our continent. Such collaboration is not only necessary but is inevitable, because we are products of the same mother – the African Union, working for the development of the same motherland – Africa,” she said.
“Our goal is not only to align our efforts but also to create a structured approach that ensure our collaboration is impactful and sustainable,” she added.
On his part, Hon Charumbira said the Agreement mutually reinforces the complementary roles of the PAP and the Court in the continental governance agenda which includes strengthening human rights protection systems, good governance, transparency and the rule of law across Africa.
“While the PAP is mandated to conduct oversight in the protection and promotion of human
rights, the Court promotes and protects human rights through judicial decisions. The
two organs’ mandates are, therefore, mutually complementary hence the need to explore mechanisms for collaboration within the different and yet mutually reinforcing mandates,” he said.
The Agreement was signed during a Joint Workshop between the two organs, aimed at sharing best practices to identify opportunities for collaboration, and formulate a unified strategy to guide future initiatives.
The framework for collaboration between the two organs places a particular focus on joint promotion of the ratification and domestication of African Union human rights instruments, facilitation of domestic implementation of human rights decisions, mutual consultation, information and knowledge sharing and exchange of expertise.
The Agreement is for an indefinite period and may be renewed every five (5) years.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The African Court on Human and People’s Rights is a continental Court established by Member States of the African Union to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa.
- The Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity. The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions.
- The Pan African Parliament is the legislative body of the African Union. It aims to provide a platform for African citizens to be represented in decision-making processes and to ensure that the policies and programs of the AU reflect the will and aspirations of the people of Africa.
- The PanAfrican Parliament currently has 235 members that are designated from among members of Parliament that have been elected to the national parliaments. Each Member State sends a delegation of five parliamentarians to the PAP, at least one of whom must be a woman. The seat of the Pan- African parliament is in Midrand, South Africa.
Further information on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org
For further inquiries: Dr Robert Eno, Registrar – Robert.Eno@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Chipiliro Kansilanga – Head of Communication Unit Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org or AfricanCourtMedia@african-court.org
