Arusha, 22 August 2022: The Islamic Republic of Mauritania has commended the work of the African Court in deepening human rights on the continent.

‘’Mauritania greatly appreciates the work of the Pan African Judicial Organ in protecting human rights on the continent’’ the Prime Minister of Mauritania H.E. Mohamed Ould Bilal told the visiting President of the African Court Hon Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud and her delegation in Nouakchott over the weekend.

Receiving the delegation at the Prime Minister’ Office, H.E Bilal assured that Mauritania was committed to human rights and the rule of law.

He was also optimistic that Mauritania will, as soon as possible, deposit the Declaration to allow individuals access the African Court directly.

The African Court delegation was in Mauritania for a three-day sensitisation mission to encourage the North- West African country to deposit the Declaration.

The President of the Court thanked the government of Mauritania for the warm reception and for organising meetings with all key stakeholders and a sensitisation seminar during the 15-17 August 2022 mission.

‘’I am convinced that Mauritania is on its right course to uphold human rights and will shortly deposit the Declaration to allow Mauritanians access the Court directly,’’ said Lady Justice Aboud.

She added that the success of the Court as a human rights protection mechanism requires a wider ratification of the Protocol by Member States, as well as their acceptance of the competence of the Court, by making the declaration under Article 34(6).

Mauritania acceded to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 14 December 2005 but is yet to deposit the Declaration under Article 34(6).

The States that have deposited the Declaration so far are Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Malawi, Mali, Niger and Tunisia.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights was established by virtue of Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to complement the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, with a view to enhancing the protection of human rights on the continent.

2. The main objective of the sensitisation visits is to enhance the protection of human rights in Africa. Specific objectives include raising awareness about the Court; encouraging the ratification of the Protocol and deposit of the Declaration that allows individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court; sensitising would-be applicants on how to access the Court and the procedures before the Court; encouraging the public to utilise the Court in settling human rights disputes and encouraging the utilisation of the Court for advisory opinions.

3. The Court is composed of 11 Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity. 4. The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold an Extra-Ordinary Sessions.

Further information on the Court can be obtained from the Court’s website at www.african-court.org.

For more comments: Dr Robert Eno, Registrar

Email: Robert.Eno@african-court.org

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