Arusha, 16 October 2025: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) on Thursday hosted officials from the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs (MoCLA) of the United Republic of Tanzania, for an interactive study visit focused on dialogue, learning and cooperation.
The visit, which was hosted by the Deputy Registrar of the Court, Ms. Grace Wakio Kakai, together with members of the Registry, on behalf of the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Modibo Sacko, formed part of the Ministry’s efforts to deepen understanding of the Court’s mandate, operations, and jurisprudence, as well as to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions.
The delegation was led by Ms. Nkasori Sarakikya, Director for Human Rights in the Ministry, and comprised Assistant Directors, Principal State Attorneys, Senior State Attorneys and State Attorneys from the Division of Human Rights, the section responsible for coordinating human rights issues at both national and regional levels.
In her presentation, the Deputy Registrar provided an overview of the Court’s processes, procedures and jurisprudence, highlighting how its decisions interpret and apply the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in addressing human rights issues and contributing to the development of continental human rights standards.
She also highlighted some of the Court’s key achievements, including its growing body of jurisprudence and its contribution to strengthening human rights protection across Africa. She also acknowledged persistent challenges such as the low rate of ratification of the Court’s Protocol, limited public awareness and non-compliance with the Court’s judgments.
In response to what the Court is doing to address these challenges, Ms. Kakai said:
“The Court is working closely with Member States to change the narrative by promoting a better understanding of its mandate, role and contribution. Our engagement also extends to States that have withdrawn the Declaration allowing individuals and NGOs to file cases directly before the Court, including the United Republic of Tanzania. The Court hopes that these engagements can foster a greater trust and dialogue,” she said.
In her remarks, Ms. Sarakikya reaffirmed the Ministry’s appreciation of its collaboration with the Court, describing it as one of its key partners in advancing human rights and legal developments in Tanzania and across the continent.
She further highlighted that the visit was particularly important for the new cohort of State Attorneys, many of whom sought first-hand exposure to the Court’s work, procedures and contribution to the continental human rights system.
Discussions during the interactive session covered a wide range of issues, including the procedures for individuals and non-governmental organizations to file cases before the Court, the Court’s jurisprudence and the status of implementation of its decisions.
A number of other topics of mutual interest were also discussed, notably the need to strengthen cooperation between the Court and the Ministry, and the possibility of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to re-deposit the Declaration under Article 34(6) of the Protocol, recognizing the competence of the Court to receive cases directly from NGOs and individuals.
The visit provided a platform for learning, exchange and partnership and laid the groundwork for deeper engagement between the Court and the Ministry in the protection of human and peoples’ rights and justice in Africa.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is an organ of the African Union established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa.
- The Court complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- 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.
Further information on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org
Telephone: +255 272 510 510
For further inquiries: Deputy Registrar, Ms. Grace Wakio Kakai – Grace.Wakio@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Mrs. Chipiliro Kansilanga Ngue – Senior Information & Communication Officer and Head of Communication Unit Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org
