I. ORGANIZATION OF WORK
A. Period Covered by the Report
1. The 7th Annual Activity Report of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights was adopted by the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity through its resolution AHG/Res.230 (XXX). The present report, the 8th annual activity report, covers the 16th and 17th Ordinary Sessions held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 25 October to 3 November 1994 and in Lome, Togo, from 13 to 22 March 1995 respectively.
B. Status of Ratification
2. By the 17th Ordinary Session of the Commission, all the members of the OAU, with the exception of Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Africa and Swaziland, had ratified or acceded to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The list of States and dates of signature, ratification/accession and deposit of instruments is attached as Annex 1 of this report.
C. Sessions and Agenda
3. The Commission held two Ordinary Sessions since the adoption of its 7th Annual Activity Report
- The 16th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia, 25 October to 3 November 1994;
- The 17th Ordinary Sessions held in Lome, Togo, 13 to 22 March 1995;
- The Agenda for each of the two sessions is contained in Annexes II and III respectively.
D. Composition and ParticiPation
4. The following commissioners attended the 16th Session:
1. Prof. Isaac NGUEMA, Chairman
2. Dr. Mohamed H. Ben Salem, Vice Chairman
3. Prof. Emmanuel V.O. DANKWA
4. Mr. Sourahata B. Semega Janneh
5. Mr. Robert H. Kisanga
6. Dr. Vera V.B.S. DUARTE-MARTINS
7. Dr. Ibrahim A. BADAWI EI-Sheikh
4. Prof. U. Oji UMOZURIKE
Messrs. ALIOUNE BLONDIN Beye, Atsu Koffi AMEGA and Youssoupha NDIAYE apologized for their inability to attend the 16th Session
5. The representatives of the following States attended the Session: Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Niger, Swaziland and Togo.
6. The following Commissioners attended the 17th Session:
1. Prof. Isaac NGUEMA, Chairman
2. Dr. Mohamed H. Ben Salem, Vice Chairman
3. Prof. Emmanuel V.O. DANKWA
4. Mr. Sourahata B. Semega Janneh
5. Mr. Robert H. Kisanga
6. Dr. Vera V.B.S. DUARTE-MARTINS
7. Dr. Ibrahim A. BADAWI El-Sheikh
8. Prof. U. Oji UMOZURIKE
9. Mr. Atsu Koffi AMEGA
Messrs. ALIOUNE BLONDIN Beye, Atsu Koffi AMEGA and Youssoupha NDIAYE apologized for their inability to attend the 17th Session.
7. This 17th Session was also attended by the representatives of the following states: Algeria, Botswana, Burkina-Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Mali and Togo.
8. Many Non-Governmental Organizations attended these two sessions.
E. Adoption of the 8th Annual Activity Report
9. At its sitting of 22 March 1995, the Commission considered and adopted its 8th Annual Activity Report.
II. ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION
A. Consideration of Periodic Reports
10. Under Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, each State had undertaken to submit a report every two years, on the legislative and other measures it is taking to give effect to the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Charter. The initial reports of Benin and Cape Verde as well as the second periodic report of The Gambia were presented by the representatives of the States and examined by the Commission at its 16th Session. The Commission acknowledged the preparedness of the States concerned to cooperate with it and expressed its appreciation for The Gambia's second report.
11. The reports of Mauritius, Mozambique and Seychelles were scheduled for discussion at the 17th Session but there were no State representatives to present them. These States were accordingly requested to send representatives at the next session. Mauritius sent a note to explain that its representative could not attend due to the cyclone which swept through the country on 11 and 12 March 1995.
12. By the 17th Session the following States had submitted their reports: Libya, Rwanda, Tunisia (9th Session), Egypt and Tanzania (11th Session), The Gambia, (12th and 16th Sessions), Senegal and Zimbabwe (12th Session), Togo and Nigeria (13th Session), Benin, Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique (14th Session), Mauritius and Seychelles (17th Session). 34 States are yet to submit their reports (Annex IV).
III. PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
i) Report of the Chairman
13. The Chairman's Activity Report covered his attendance at various symposia and seminars, his work in connection with the Commission's publications, especially with regard to the third volume of the Review of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. He also reported on the mission to Togo which he conducted with the Vice-Chairman. During the 17th Session, the Chairman Isaac NGUEMA, Vice Chairman, Mohamed H. BEN SALEM, Commissioner S.S.B. Semega JANNEH and the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Germain BARICAKO were received in audience by the President of the Republic of Togo, His Excellency Mr. Gnassingbe EYADEMA.
The discussion focussed mainly on the global issue of the democratic process and human rights in Togo, and particularly on the application of the recently promulgated amnesty law, the organization of by-elections and the establishment of constitutional institutions.
These three issues were contained in a document that had earlier on been presented to the Commission by a delegation of the Action Commission for Renewal of Togo (CAR).
The Commission took note of the document and promised to discuss it with the President of the Republic if the latter accepted its mediation.
President Eyadema assured the Commission's delegation of his determination to foster national reconciliation, encourage direct and sincerely dialogue with all segments of the socio-political spectrum and to ensure that the democratic process is conducted in accordance with the aspirations and in the best interests of the Togolese people. Moreover, the President of the Republic highlighted a number of actions already carried out and others to be undertaken in this respect.
The Presidential delegation also indicated that the document given to the Commission by CAR was not genuine and promised to provide the Commission with the authentic document,
which was done. The Commission's delegation expressed satisfaction at the efforts deployed by the Togolese President and Government to enhance the normalization of the socio-political situation in Togo and encouraged the latter to persevere in this direction.
The Commission's delegation informed the Action committee for Renewal (CAR) of the outcome of the audience with the President of the Republic. The CAR was requested to await the report of the national body charged with dealing with these contentious issues and the position of the President on the report.
ii) Activities of other Members of the Commission
14 During the intersession period, the other Commissioners also attended Conferences, Symposia and Seminars in and outside Africa and were involved in other promotional activities. The allocation of African countries for promotional activities is attached as (Annex VIII).
15. iii) The Commission organized or participated in the organization of the following seminars:
a) Seminar on Human Rights Education in South Africa organized in collaboration with the South African Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, September 24 -27, Durban, South Africa;
b) Seminar on the Rights of the African Woman and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Lome Togo, on 8 and 9 March 1995, organized in collaboration with WILDAF. This seminar was organized through the financial assistance of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights;
c) Seminar on the Participation of NGOs in the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Lome, Togo 10 to 12 March 1995, organized by the International Commission on Human and Peoples Rights and the Association for the Promotion of the Rule of Law (APED), based in Togo.
iv) Forthcoming seminars and conferences
16. The Commission decided to organize the following seminars/conferences:
1. Legal Assistance and Fair Trial;
2. Popular participation and Non-formal Education;
3. Human rights in the New South Africa;
4. Contemporary Forms of Slavery in Africa;
5. The Peaceful Resolution of Ethnic and Social Conflicts from a Human Rights Perspective;
6. The Right to Education: Essential Condition for Development in Africa;
7. Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Right to Development;
8. Conditions of Prisons in Africa;
9. The problem of impunity in Africa.
The Commission decided to seek the support of international organizations and NGOs for the seminars/conferences and appointed Commissioners to be responsible for them.
IV. REPORT OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON EXTRA- JUDICIAL EXECUTIONS IN AFRICA
At the 16th Ordinary Session, Dr. Mohammed Hatem Ben Salem, Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial, summary and arbitrary executions briefed the Commission on the outcome of his reflection on the terms of reference and methods of work.
18. In the light of the information provided, the Commission decided that, on account of the work already done by the United Nations System on the issue, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission should avoid duplication and concentrate on some aspects of the problem, viz:
a) compensation of families of victims of such executions;
b) responsibility of instigators and authors of such executions.
19. The Commission also considered the issue of the terms of
reference of the Special Rapporteur and decided to study the matter thoroughly and finalize it at its next Session
20. At the 17th Session, the Special Rapporteur presented a preliminary document to the Commission containing proposals on:
a) the scope of his mission;
b) the area of investigation;
c) the duration of his mission;
d) the method of work;
e) the presentation of reports;
f) the budget estimates for 1995 and 1996.
21. The Commission approved these proposals as well as the
draft terms of reference submitted to it for consideration.
V. PUBLICATIONS
22. The Chairman of the Commission, Professor Isaac Nguema is charged with the supervision of the publication of the Review of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. The third edition of the Review was published in October 1994. Work on the fourth edition is in progress. This review is published through the financial assistance of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute and the African Society for International and Comparative Law.
23. The Vice-Chairman, Dr. Mohammed H. Ben Salem reported on plans for the publication of the Commission's Newsletter.
VI. FORTHCOMING MISSIONS
24. The Commission decided to send missions to Nigeria, Sudan, Mauritania, Senegal and Zaire. The Government of Algeria invited the Commission while the Governments of Sudan and Senegal responded favourably to the Commission's request to visit.
VII. RELATIONS WITH OBSERVERS
25. During the two sessions the Commission granted observer status to 23 NGOs, bringing the number of organizations that enjoy observer status with the Commission to 154.
VIII. PROTECTIVE ACTIVITIES
26. The Commission received 6 new communications during the two sessions and concluded work on 23 communications. The list of concluded communications and the decisions/recommendations is attached as Annex VI.
IX. ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS
a. Administrative Matters
i. Personnel Needs
27. At the 16th and 17th Ordinary Sessions, the Commission looked into the inadequate staffing situation of its Secretariat.
It noted that in spite of the volume and the importance of the work assigned to the Secretariat, the latter is staffed by only one professional officer, who is the Secretary to the Commission. The legal Officer in-charge of matters relating to the protection of human and peoples' rights left the Organization in August 1993 and is yet to be replaced.
The Officer who was to be in-charge of promotional matters was never recruited in spite of persistent demands by the Commission.
The Commission set up Documentation Centre in 1992 through assistance from the United nations Centre for Human Rights which agreed inter alia to take care of the salary of the documentalist pending the OAU taking over. The contract of this documentalist which has been renewed twice expired on 30 April, 1995.
As the OAU has not still appointed an officer to take care of the Centre, the Secretariat is compelled to close it down in spite of its capital importance to the Commission.
The Commission has decided to make another appeal to the OAU General Secretariat for an urgent resolution of this matter.
ii) Equipment needs
28. The volume and nature of the work of the Secretariat of the Commission call for the use of computers. The collection and management of data relating to human rights, promotional and protective activities cannot be effectively carried out within the required periods with the Secretariat's present logistics which is outdated.
The Secretariat therefore needs at least three (3) computers. The Commission has decided to take up this matter with the OAU General Secretariat.
iii) Medical cover and insurance
29. The Commission once again looked into the issue of medical cover for Commissioners during sessions. The Commissioners are of the view that medical expenses incurred during sessions or official missions should be borne by the OAU.
Moreover, the Commissioners are required to undertake missions on behalf of the Commission which may expose them to certain risks. This is why they have requested that they be provided with an insurance cover for the duration of their missions.
These issues were raised at the 13th Session and a formal request made to the OAU General Secretariat which promised that the matter would be promptly addressed.
At its 17th Session the Commission felt that there was an urgent need to take up the matter again with the Secretary-General of the OAU, given the climate of insecurity prevailing in several countries that the Commissioners have to visit on official assignments for the Commission.
b. Financial matters
30. At its 16th and 17 Sessions as in previous sessions, the Commission could not consider all the items on its agenda due to the fact that the duration of Sessions was reduced from 15 to 10 days for budgetary reasons.
The Commission therefore decided to appeal to the Secretary General of the OAU requesting him to take into account this serious handicap and restore the duration of sessions to 15 days.
The Commission also noted the fact that the same budgetary constraints forced members of the Commission to give up the idea of organizing promotional activities such as seminars, visits, etc.. in State Parties. In this respect, the Commission renewed its appeal to the OAU Secretary General requesting him to contemplate the possibility of providing it with the necessary financial resources for the fulfillment of its mandate in accordance with the provisions of the Charter.
i) The OAU Budget
31. The budget allocated by the OAU to the Commission for the period 1994 to 1996 biennium is as follows:
1 2 4 5 6 7
Code Description AppropriationsActual APPROPRIATION 1994/96 Increase Page
1993/94 Expenditure Decrease Increa-
1990/93 se
(3 Yrs.
Average) (a) (b) (c)
Grand Total 1994/95 1995/96 (5b-4) (6/4)
100 Basic Salary 101,771.00 80,563.00 199,248.00 98,429.00100,819.0017,866.00 22.18
101 Post Adjustment
Allowance 21,182.00 25,282.00 45,303.00 22,406.00 22,897.00(2,876.00)(11.38)
102 Temporary Assist-
ance 1,500.00 1,263.00 3,000.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 237.00 18.76
103 Overtime Payment 250.00 301.00 500.00 250.00 250.00 (51.00) (16.94)
104 Commission's
Honorarium 33,000.00 19,633.00 66,000.00 33,000.00 33,000.0013,367.00 68.08
204-212Common Staff
Costs 79,098.00 69,405.00 186,794.00104,630.00 82,164.0035,225.00 50.75
300 Official Missions 20,000.00 22,739.00 30,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00(7,739.00)(34.03)
401-406Maintenance Costs 16,500.00 10,833.00 33,000.00 16,500.00 16,500.00 5,667.00 52.31
501-504Communications
Costs 6,500.00 4,309.00 13,000.00 6,500.00 6,500.00 2,191.00 50.85
600-610Supplies and
Services 16,000.00 21,243.00 32,000.00 16,000.00 16,000.00(5,243.00)(24.68)
800 Meetings 135,000.00 194,177.00 360,000.00180,000.00180,000.00(14,177.00(7.30)
900 Research & Joint
Projects 0.00 0.00 32,000.00 17,000.00 15,000.0017,000.00 0.00
TOTAL 430,801.00 449,748.00 1,000,485.00511,215.00489,630.0061,467.00 13.67
ii). Subventions from the United Nations Centre for Human Rights
32. The Commission received on 30 August 1994 the second
tranche of 36,300 dollars as part of the 71,300 dollars subvention provided by letter of 22 July 1993 for the following activities:
a) Strengthening of the Documentation Centre
1. Library
2. Printing of the Charter
b) Seminars
c) Support staff
33. The United Nations Centre also allocated an additional sum of 42,400 dollars from the Organization of the Seminar on the Rights of the African Woman and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights held in Lome, Togo on 8 and 9 March 1995.
34. The same United Nations Centre is currently studying a project proposal submitted to it by the Commission for the computerization of the Secretariat and strengthening of promotional and protective activities.
iii) Subventions from the Raoul Wallenberg Institute
35. The Raoul Wallenberg Institute continues to provide assistance to the Commission for:
- promotional activities; publication of the Commission's Review;
- funding of means of communications between the Commission's Secretariat, the Commissioners and partners of the Commission.
X. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE 16TH AND 17TH SESSIONS
36. The Commission adopted the first five Resolutions at the 16th Session and the other five at the 17th (Annexes VII and VIII). The list of these resolutions is hereafter:
1. Resolution on the Military
2. Resolution on Nigeria
3. Resolution on Rwanda Resolution on The Gambia 4. Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in Africa 5. Resolution on sudan Resolution on Nigeria 6. Resolution on The Gambia Resolution on conditions in the prisons of Africa.
XI. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT BY THE ASSEMBLY OF HEADS OF STATE
AND GOVERNMENT
37. Following consideration of this Report, the Assembly of
Heads of State and Government adopted a resolution that took note
of it and authorized its publication. (Annex IX)
No.Country Date of Date of Date Deposited
Signature Ratification
1 Algeria 10/4/1986 01/03/87 20/03/87
2 Angola 02/03/90 09/10/90
3 Benin 20/1/86 25/2/86
4 Botswana 17/7/86 22/7/86
5 Burundi 28/7/89 30/8/89
6 Burkina Faso 05/3/1984 06/7/84 21/9/84
7 Cameroon 23/7/1987 20/6/89 18/9/89
8 Cape Verde 31/3/1986 02/6/87 06/8/87
9 Central African
Republic 26/4/86 27/7/86
10 Chad 29/5/1986 09/10/86 11/11/86
11 Comoros 01/6/86 18/7/86
12 Congo 27/11/81 09/12/82 17/1/83
13 Cote d'Ivoire 06/1/92 31/3/92
14 Djibouti 20/12/91 11/11/91 20/12/91
15 Egypt 16/11/81 20/3/84 03/4/84
16 Equatorial Guinea 18/8/80 07/4/86 18/8/86
17 Eritrea
18 Ethiopia
19 Gabon 26/2/82 20/2/86 26/6/86
20 Gambia 11/2/83 08/6/83 13/6/83
21 Ghana 24/1/89 01/3/89
No.Country Date of Date of Date Deposited
Signature Ratification
22 Guinee 09/12/81 16/2/82 13/5/82
23 Guinea-Bissau 16/12/85 06/3/86
24 Kenya 23/1/92 10/2/92
25 Lesotho 07/3/84 10/2/92 27/2/92
26 Liberia 31/1/83 04/8/82 29/12/82
27 Libya 30/5/85 19/7/86 26/3/87
28 Madagascar 09/3/92 19/3/92
29 Malawi 23/2/90 17/11/89 23/2/90
30 Mali 13/11/81 21/12/81 22/1/82
31 Mauritania 25/2/82 14/6/86 26/6/86
32 Mauritius 27/2/92 19/6/92 01/7/92
33 Mozambique 22/2/89 07/3/90
34 Namibia 30/7/92 16/9/92
35 Niger 09/7/86 15/7/86 21/7/86
36 Nigeria 31/8/82 22/6/83 22/7/83
37 Republique Rwandaise 11/11/81 15/7/83 22/7/83
38 Sahrawi Arab
Democratic Republic 10/4/86 02/5/86 23/5/86
39 Sao Tome & Principe 23/5/86 28/7/86
40 Senegal 23/9/81 13/8/82 25/10/82
No.Country Date of Date of Date Deposited
Signature Ratification
41 Seychelles 13/4/92 30/4/92
42 Sierra Leone 27/8/81 21/9/83 27/1/84
43 Somalia 26/2/82 31/7/85 20/3/86
44 Sudan 03/9/82 18/2/86 11/3/86
45 Swaziland
46 Togo 26/2/82 05/11/82 22/11/82
47 Tunisia 16/3/83 22/4/83
48 Uganda 18/8/86 10/5/86 27/5/86
49 Tanzania 31/5/82 18/2/84 09/3/84
50 Zaire 23/7/87 20/7/87 28/7/87
51 Zambia 17/1/83 19/1/84 02/2/84
52 Zimbabwe 20/2/86 30/5/86 12/6/86
53 South Africa
ADOPTED: By the 18th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, June 1981.
REQUIRES: Ratification or accession by a simple majority of Member States, to come into force.
ENTERED INTO FORCE: 21ST day of October, 1986.
DEPOSITED: With the United Nations on 10/9/1991, No. 26363.
1. Opening Ceremony
2. Adoption of Agenda
3. Organization of Work Observers
a) Consideration of application for observer status
b) Relationship with observers and statements of observers.
5. Consideration of Periodic Reports
Initial reports of - Benin
- Cape Verde
- Mozambique
Second report of The Gambia
6. Promotional Activities
a) Activity Reports by Commissioners (as well as that on the colloquia and seminars)
b) Examination of extra-judicial executions
c) Establishment of an African Human Rights Court (Resolution AHG/230 (XXX) of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU on the creation of an African Human Rights Court).
d) Report on Regional Seminar on the drafting and preparation of periodic reports held in Tunis in May 1994.
e) Report on Seminar on the African Woman and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
f) Dakar Preparatory Regional Conference on Women (November 1994) and 4th World Conference on Women (Beijing 1995).
g) Organization of forthcoming conferences and seminars.
h) Publication of the Review and the Newsletter of the Commission.
i) Follow up of decisions and recommendations adopted by the World Conferences on Human Rights (Vienna and Montreal Conferences).
7. Protective Activities
8. Question of the Head Quarters of the Commission
9. Administrative and Financial Matters
a) Report of the chairman
b) Report of the Secretary.
c) Implementation of the recommendations of the previous session
d) Draft Rules on Contracts and Consultants
e) Funding for the translation of periodic reports
f) Situation of the Documentation Centre
10. Methods of Work of the Commission
a) Consideration of amendments to the Rules of Procedure
b) Examination of Article 58 of the Charter
c) Question of interns within the Secretariat of the
Commission
11. OAU activities relevant to the Commission
12. Dates, place and Agenda of the 17th Session
13. Any Other Business
14. Preparation of:
a) Sessional Report
b) Final Communique
15. Adoption of the Report of the 16th Session
16. Final Communique and Closing Ceremony
1. Opening Ceremony
2. Adoption of Agenda
3. Organization of Work Adoption of the report of the 16th 4. Session Observers
a) Consideration of application for observer status
b) Relationship with observers and statements of the latter
6. Consideration of Periodic Reports of the following Member States:
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Seychelles
7. Promotional Activities:
a) Activity Reports by Commissioners
b) Examination of extra-judicial executions
c) Report on the implementation of Resolution AHG/230 (XXX) on the establishment of an African Human Rights Court
d) The Situation in the prisons in Africa
e) Report on Seminar on the African Woman and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
f) Dakar Preparatory Regional Conference on Women (November 1994) and 4th World Conference on Women (Beijing 1995)
g) Organization of forthcoming seminars and conferences
h) Publication of the Review and the Newsletter of the Commission
i) Follow-up of the decisions and recommendations (The Vienna and Montreal Conferences)
j) Report of the African Mission of the Embargo Evaluation of the UN on Libyan Populations -February, 1995 (Proposed by the Cameroonian League for Human Rights) 8.
8. Protective Activities
9. Question concerning the Headquarters of the Secretariat of the Commission
10. Administrative and Financial Matters
a) Report of the Chairman of the Commission
b) Report of the Secretary to the Commission
c) Implementation of the recommendations of the previous sessions
d) Draft Rules on Contracts with Consultants
e) Financing of the translation of summaries and periodic reports
f) Situation of the Documentation Centre of the Commission
g) Draft Cooperation Agreement between the Commission and Interights
h) Distribution of States Parties between the members of the Commission for promotional activities Methods of Work of the Commission.
a) Consideration of amendments to the Rules of Procedure
b) Examination of Article 58 of the Charter
c) Amendment of Article 12 of the Rules of Procedure OAU activities relevant to the Commission Dates, Place and Agenda of the 18th Session.
14. Any Other Business
15. Preparation of:
a) Sessional Report
b) 8th Annual Activity Report
c) Final Communique
16. Adoption of the Report of the 17th Session and the annual activity report
17. Final Communique and Closing Ceremony
In accordance with Article 62 of the Charter reports are due from States Parties on the following dates:
No.State Party First Second Third
Report Report Report
1 Algeria 20/6/86 1991 1993
2 Angola 09/1/92 1994 1996
3 Benin 21/10/88 1990 1992
4 Botswana 21/10/88 1990 1992
5 Burundi 30/11/91 1993 1995
6 Burkina Faso 21/10/88 1990 1992
7 Cameroon 18/12/91 1993 1995
8 Cape Verde 06/11/89 1991 1993
9 Central African
Republic 21/10/88 1990 1992
10 Chad 11/2/89 1991 1993
11 Comoros 21/10/88 1990 1992
12 Congo 21/10/88 1990 1992
13 Cote d'Ivoire 01/7/94 1996 1998
14 Djibouti 20/3/93 1995 1997
15 Egypt 21/10/88 1990 1992
16 Equatorial Guinea 18/11/88 1990 1992
17 Eritrea - - -
18 Ethiopia - - -
19 Gabon 21/10/88 1990 1992
20 Gambia 21/10/88 1990 1992
No. State Party First Second Third
Report Report Report
21 Ghana 01/6/91 1993 1995
22 Guinee 21/10/88 1990 1992
23 Guinea-Bissau 21/10/88 1990 1992
24 Kenya 10/5/94 1996 1998
25 Lesotho 27/5/94 1996 1998
26 Liberia 21/10/88 1990 1992
*27 Libya 26/6/89 1991 1993
28 Madagascar 19/6/94 1996 1998
29 Malawi 23/5/92 1994 1996
30 Mali 21/10/88 1990 1992
31 Mauritania 21/10/88 1990 1992
*32 Mauritius 07/10/92 1994 1996
*33 Mozambique 07/6/92 1994 1996
34 Namibia 16/12/94 1996 1998
35 Niger 21/10/88 1990 1992
*36 Nigeria 21/10/88 1990 1992
37 Rwanda 21/10/88 1990 1992
38 Sahrawi Arab
Democratic Republic 21/10/88 1990 1992
39 Sao Tome & Principe 21/10/88 1990 1992
**40Senegal 21/10/88 1990 1992
No. State Party First Second Third
Report Report Report
*41 Seychelles 30/7/94 1996 1998
42 Sierra Leone 21/10/88 1990 1992
43 Somalia 21/10/88 1990 1992
44 Sudan 21/10/88 1990 1992
45 Swaziland 21/10/88 1990 1992
*46 Tanzania 21/10/88 1990 1992
*47 Togo 21/10/88 1990 1992
**48Tunisia 21/10/88 1990 1992
49 Uganda 21/10/88 1990 1992
50 Zaire 28/10/89 1991 1993
51 Zambia 21/10/88 1990 1992
52 Zimbabwe 21/10/88 1990 1992
53 South Africa
* has presented its preliminary report.
** has presented its preliminary report and second periodic report.
1. Mr. Stsu-Koffi Amega
Togo
Central African Republic
Burundi
Tchad
Gabon
Djibouti
2. Dr. Ibrahim A. Badawi El-Sheikh
Comoros
Seychelles
Mauritius
Madagascar
Egypt
3. Mr. Alioune Blondin Beye
Benin
Equatorial Guinea
Cote d'Ivoire
Mauritania
4. Mr. Immanuel Victor Oware Dankwa
Ghana
Zimbabwe
Malawi
5. Mr. Sourahata Baboucar Semega Janneh
Gambia
Liberia
Sierra Leone
Botswana
Namibia
6. Mr. Robert Habesh Kisanga
Ethiopia
Kenya
Somalia
Uganda
Tanzania
Zambia
7. Mrs Vera V.D.M. Duarte Martins
Cape Verde
Mozambique
Angola
Guinea Bissau
Sao Tome & Principe
8. Mr. Youssoupha Ndiaye
Mali
Niger
Senegal
Republic of Guinea
9. Professor Isaac Nquema
Zaire
Burkina Faso
Congo
Rwanda
10. Professor Mohamed H. Ben Salem
Tunisia
Algeria
Libya
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Sudan
Eritrea
11. Professor U. Oji Umozurike
Nigeria
Cameroon
Lesotho
Swaziland
South Africa
1) 8/88 Nziwa Buyingo v. Uganda
Complaint:
The author of the communication, Mr. Nziwa Buyingo, citizen of Zaire, alleges that he was on 28 December 1987, subjected to arrest, arbitrary detention, torture and extraction of money by Ugandan soldiers in Kisoro, Uganda.
He alleges that his rights under Articles 5,6,12 and 14 under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights have been violated.
Finding:
The Commission has since 1988 failed to get any response from the complainant on whether or not he has had recourse to local remedies as required by Article 56 (5) of the Charter and Rule 103 (1) (f) of the Rules of Procedure. The Commission accordingly declares the communication inadmissible.
2) 16/88 Comite Cultural pour la Democratie au Benin v. Benin, joined with 17/88 Hilaire Badjogoume v. Benin and 18/88 El Hadj Boubacare Diawara v. Benin.
Complaint:
The communication, No. 16/88, submitted by "Comite Culturel pour la Democratie au Benin", alleges serious violations of various articles of the African Charter, committed by the Benin Government. They refer to the detention of hundreds of citizens without charge or trial, torture, and the murder of a Mr. Akpokpo.
The communication requests full and unconditional liberation of all political prisoners. A letter submitted by the Government on 19 May 1994 states that all political prisoners were released after the new Government's take over in 1990.
Finding:
Notices of hearing was sent to the parties, but only the representative of the Government of Benin appeared. The Government representative was duly given the opportunity to present his case at the end of which the Commission, after due consideration decided that the present Government of Benin has satisfactorily resolved the issue of violations of human rights under the previous administration. This decision was communicated to the authors of the communication. In the absence of a response, the Commission confirms that the issue had been satisfactorily resolved.
3) 17/88 Hilaire Badjogoume v. Benin, joined with 16/88 and 18/88
Complaint:
The communication No. 17/88, was submitted by Mr. Hilaire Badjogoume. He complained of being arbitrarily detained for two years, from 5 April 1988 to 10 January 1990.
Decision:
Notices of hearing were sent to the parties, but only the representative of the Government of Benin appeared. The Government representative was duly given the opportunity to present his case at the end of which the Commission after due consideration decided that the Government of Benin has settled the complainant's claim administratively.
This decision was communicated to the complainants and in absence of response the Commission confirms its decision.
4) 8/88 El Hadj Boubacare Diawara v. Benin, joined with 16/88 and 17/88
Complaint:
The communication No. 18/88, was submitted by Mr. El Hadj Boubacare Diawara. He had been detained without charge or trial from 18 February 1982 for a period of more than 7 years. Furthermore, he reports the arbitrary detention of 7 others, one of whom died in prison 11 months after imprisonment. All detainees, he claimed, were tortured while imprisoned.
Finding:
Notice of hearing were sent to the parties, but only the representative of the Government of Benin appeared. Since the complainant has referred his complaint to the courts in Benin, where it is now pending, the Commission declared the communication inadmissible for want of exhaustion of local remedies, under Article 56 (5) of the Charter and Rules 103 (1) (f) of the Rules of Procedure.
5) 31/89 Maria Baes v. Zaire
Complaint:
The communication was submitted by a Danish national, Maria Baes, on behalf of her colleague Dr. Shambuyi Naiadia Kandola, of the University of Kinshasa, Zaire. she alleges that her colleague was detained without charge in April 1988 for purely political reasons, in breach of Articles 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
Finding:
The author has failed to respond to inquiries from the Commission which learns that the detained person had since been released. The author shows no interest in pursuing the case. The Commission decides to close the file since the author has no interest in proceeding with the case.
6) 39/90 Annette Pagnoule/Cameroon
Complaint:
This communication was submitted by Annette pagnoule of Amnesty International and concerns one Abdoulaye Mazou, a Cameroonian national who continues to be held in prison, despite completing, in April 1989, a five-year prison term.
Decision:
The Commission decides to close the file because the victim has been released and the issue satisfactorily resolved.
7) 53/91 Alberto Capitao v. Tanzania
Complaint:
Alberto Capitao is a businessman and a former citizen of Zaire, presently resident in Angola. He sued the Tanzanian Film Company, a state-owned company, in a Zairian court, and won a judgment of $500,000 on 4 July 1994. The Embassy of Tanzania in Kinshasa was sued simultaneously with the Tanzanian Film Company. As of January 1985, no appeal in the case had been filed. The Tanzanian Film Company failed to pay the judgement debt. The Tanzanian Film Company has no property in Zaire; the only property of the Tanzanian State is Embassy of Tanzania in Kinshasa, which is exempt from seizure under the tradition of diplomatic immunity. The complainant sought the intervention of the Foreign Ministries of Zaire and Angola where he now resides, but to no avail.
The complainant argues that he has been deprived of justice and in essence of the right to have his cause heard, since as an individual holding a judgment against a foreign State which refuses to pay, he has no recourse.
Decision:
The Commission decided that the case was inadmissible on account of lack of exhaustion of local remedies. The case can be resubmitted when the local remedies have been properly exhausted or if the complainant proves that local remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably prolonged.
8) 59/91 Embga Mekongo Louis v. Cameroon
Complaint:
Embga Mekongo, a Cameroonian citizen, alleges false imprisonment, miscarriage of justice and damages for which he claims the sum of $105 million.
Finding:
The Commission finds that the author had been denied due process, contrary to Article 7 of the African Charter and had in fact suffered damages. Being unable to determine the amount of damages, the Commission recommends that the quantum should be determined under the law of Cameroon.
9) 60/91 Constitutional Rights Project v. Nigeria (in respect of Wahab Akamu, G. Adeaga and others)
THE FACTS
1. Communication 60/91 was brought by the Constitutional Rights Project, a Nigerian NGO, on behalf of Wahab Akamu, Gbolahan Adeaga and others sentenced to death under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Decree No.5 of 1984. This decree creates special tribunals, composed of one serving or retired judge, one member of the armed forces and one member of the police force. The decree does not provide for any judicial appeal of sentences. Sentences are subject to confirmation or disallowance by the governor of a State.
2. Wahab Akamu was convicted and sentenced to death on August 12, 1991 and Gbolahan Ageaga was convicted and sentenced on August 14, 1991. Both were sentenced by Robbery and Firearms Tribunal 1, Lagos. The complaint alleges that both were tortured to extract confessions while they were in custody.
ARGUMENT
3. The communication argues that the prohibition on judicial review of the special tribunals and lack of judicial appeals for judgements of these tribunals violates the right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts violating fundamental rights, guaranteed by Article 7, paragraph 1 (a) of the African Charter.
4. The communication also argues that the practice of setting up special tribunals, composed of members of the armed forces and police in addition to judges, violates the right to be tried by an impartial tribunal guaranteed by Article 7, paragraph 1 (d).
THE LAW
Admissibility
5. The case was decided admissible at the 14th Session of the Commission on the following grounds:
The case raises the question of whether the remedies available are of a nature that requires exhaustion.
The Act complained of in Communication No.60/91 is the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Chapter 398, in which Section 11, paragraph 4 provides:
"No appeal shall lie from a decision of a tribunal constituted under this Act or from any confirmation nor dismissal of such decision by the Governor."
The Robbery and Firearms Act entitles the Governor to confirm or disallow the conviction of the Special Tribunal.
This power is to be described as discretionary extraordinary remedy of a non-judicial nature. The object of the remedy is to obtain a favour and not to vindicate a right. It would be improper to insist on the complainants seeking remedies from sources which do not operate impartially and have no obligation to decide according to legal principles. The remedy is neither adequate nor effective.
Therefore, the Commission is of the opinion that the remedy available is not of a nature that requires exhaustion according to Article 56, paragraph 5 of the African Charter.
THE MERITS OF THE CASE
6. The Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Section 11, Sub-section 4 provides:
7. "No appeal shall lie from a decision of a tribunal constituted under this Act or from any confirmation of dismissal of such decision by the Governor."
8. A "decision of a tribunal constituted under this Act or any confirmation or dismissal of such decision by the governor" may certainly constitute an "act violating fundamental rights" as described in Article 7.1 (a) of the Charter. In this case, the fundamental rights in question are those to life and liberty provided for in Articles 4 and 6 of the African Charter. While punishments decreed as the culmination of a carefully conducted criminal procedure do not necessarily constitute violations of these rights, to foreclose any avenue of appeal to "competent national organs" in criminal cases bearing such penalties clearly violates Article 7.1 (a) of the African Charter, and increases the risk that severe violations may go unredressed.
8. The Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Section 8(1), describes the constitution of the tribunals, which shall consist of three persons: one judge, one officer of the Army, Navy or Air Force and one officer of the Police Force. Jurisdiction has thus been transferred from the normal courts to a tribunal chiefly composed of persons belonging to the executive branch of government, the same branch that passed the Robbery and Firearms Decree, whose members do not necessarily possess any legal expertise. Article 7.1 (d) of the African pn2.
Charter requires the court or tribunal to be impartial. Regardless of the character of the individual members of such tribunals, its composition alone creates the appearance, if not actual lack of impartiality. It thus violates Article 7.1 (d).
FOR THE ABOVE REASONS, THE COMMISSION
Declares that there has been a violation of Article 7.1 (a), (c) and (d) of the African Charter; and
Recommends that the Government of Nigeria should free the complaints.
At the 17th Session, the Commission decided to bring the file to Nigeria for the planned mission in order to verify that the complainants have been released.
10) 62/91 Committee for the Defence of Human Rights v. Nigeria, in respect of Ms. Jenniffer Madike
Complaint:
The case concerned an individual detained on charges of drug dealing. The complainant committee alleged that the detention was politically motivated. The Commission received information that the detainee was freed and subsequently inquired of the complainant if it wished to pursue the case.
Finding:
These inquiries went unanswered despite two reminders. The Commission therefore decided that the file be closed because of loss of contact with the complainant.
11. 64/92 Krischna Achutan (on behalf of Aleke Banda, 68/92 Amnesty International on behalf of Orton and Vera Chirwa 78/92 Amnesty International on behalf of Orton and Vera Chirwa v. Malawi.
THE FACTS
1. In communication No. 64/92 Krischna Achutan appealed to the Commission on behalf of his father-in-law, Aleke Banda, a prominent political figure who at the time of the communication had been imprisoned for over 12 years without legal charge or trial. Mr. Achutan had met with two successive heads of intelligence of Malawi who said that there was no case pending against Mr. Banda, but he was being held "at the pleasure of the Head of State.
2. In communications Nos. 68/92 and 78/92 Amnesty International petitioned the Commission on behalf of Orton and Vera Chirwa. Orton Chirwa had been a prominent political figure in Malawi before independence, but had been living in exile in Zambia with his wife since 19964 because of differences with Malawi's President Banda. In 1981, the Malawi security officials took them into custody and they were subsequently sentenced to death for treason at a trial in the Southern Regional Traditional Court. They claimed at this trial that they had been abducted from Zambia. They were denied legal representation. The sentences were upheld by the national traditional Appeals Court, although the Appeals Court criticized many aspects of the conduct of the trial.
3. After international protest, the sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. The Chirwas were held in almost complete solitary confinement, given extremely poor food, inadequate medical care, shackled for long periods of time within their cells and prevented from seeing each other for years.
4. In its supplemental communication consisting of a report on Malawi for March-July 1992, Amnesty International described the arrests of many office workers in 1992 because of suspicions that the equipment used in their work, such as computers and fax machines, could be used to disseminate propaganda of the pro-democracy movement. The report also described extremely poor prison conditions, including overcrowding and torture consisting of beatings and electric shocks.
5. The communication also described the detention and intimidation of Roman Catholic bishops. Trade Union leaders were imprisoned, and peacefully striking workers were shot and killed by the police. Police also raided student dormitories and arrested students who were beaten and tortured.
THE LAW
6. Article 4 of the African Charter reads:
"... Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life..."
Shootings by police officers are a violation of this right.
7. Article 5 of the African Charter provides as follows:
"... All forms of... torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment shall be prohibited."
The conditions of overcrowding and acts of beating and torture that took place in prisons in Malawi contravened this Article. Aspects of the treatment of Vera and Orton Chirwa such as excessive solitary confinement, shackling within a cell, extremely poor quality food and denial of access to adequate medical care, were also in contravention of this Article.
8. Article 6 of the African Charter reads:
"Every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security of his person..."
The massive and arbitrary arrests of office workers, trade unionists, Roman Catholic Bishops and students violated this Article. The arbitrary detention of Mr. Aleke Banda is likewise a violation of Article 6.
9. Mr. Banda was not allowed recourse to the national courts to challenge the violation of his fundamental right to liberty as guaranteed by Article 6 of the African Charter and the constitution of Malawi. Furthermore, Aleke Banda was detained indefinitely without trial. The Commission finds that Mr. Banda's imprisonment violated Article 7, paragraph 1 (a) and (d) of the African Charter.
10. Vera and Orton Chirwa were tried before the Southern Region Traditional Court without being defended by a counsel. This constitutes a violation of Article 7, paragraph 1 (c) of the African Charter.
11. The Commission notes that Malawi has undergone important political changes after the submission of the communications. Multiparty elections have been held, resulting in a new Government. The Commission hopes that a new era of respect for the human rights of Malawi's citizens has begun.
12. Principles of international law stipulate, however, that a new government inherits the previous government's international obligations, including the responsibility for the previous government's mismanagement. The change of Government in Malawi does not extinguish the present claim before the Commission. Although the present Government of Malawi did not commit the human rights abuses complained of, it is responsible for the reparation of these abuses.
FOR THESE REASONS, THE COMMISSION
holds that there has been a violation of Articles 4,5,6 and 7 paragraph 1 (a), (c) and (d) of the African Charter.
12) 75/92 Katangese peoples' Congress v. Zaire
THE FACTS
1. The communication was submitted in 1992 by Mr. Gerald Moke, President of the Katangese peoples/ Congress requesting the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to:
- recognize the Katangese peoples' Congress as a liberation movement entitled to support in the achievement of independence for Katanga;
- recognize the independence of Katanga;
- help secure the evacuation of Zaire from Katanga
2. The claim is brought under Article 20(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. There are no allegations of specific breaches of other human rights apart from the claim of the denial of self-determination.
3. All peoples have a right to self-determination. There may however be controversy as to the definition of peoples and the content of the right. The issue in the case is not self-determination for all Zaireans as a people but specifically for the Katangese. Whether the Katangese consist of one or more ethnic groups is, for this purpose immaterial and no evidence has been adduced to that effect.
4. The Commission believes that self-determination may be exercised in any of the following -independence, self-government, local government, federalism, confederalism, unitarism or any other form of relations that accords with the wishes of the people but fully cognizant of other recognized principles such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.
5. The Commission is obliged to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Zaire, a member of the OAU and a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
6. In the absence of concrete evidence of violations of human rights to the point that the territorial integrity of Zaire should be called to question and in the absence of evidence that the people of Katanga are denied the right to participate in Government as guaranteed by Article 13(1) of the African Charter, the Commission holds the view that Katanga is obliged to exercise a variant of self-determination that is compatible with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Zaire.
declares that the case holds no evidence of violations of any rights under the African Charter. The request for independence for Katanga therefore has no merit under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
13) 83/92, 88/93, 91/93 (joined) Jean Yaovi Degli (au nom du Caporal N. Bikagni), Union Interafricaine des Droits de l'Homme, Commission International de Juristes/Togo.
Fact:
The first communication No. 83/92, concerns Corporal Nikabour Bikagni, who the communication alleges was arrested on 7 October 1992 in Lome and who was subject to torture and maltreatment. Under this duress, he made a confession that he was planning a coup against the Government of Togo.
The second communication No. 88/93, consists of a report of a mission sent to Togo by the Union Interafricaine des Droits de l'Homme from 23 to 29 December 1992. This report includes information on the attempt on the life of opposition leader Gilchrist Olympio, the assassination of the driver of the Prime Minister in December 1992, extortion and killings in villages in the north of Togo, the shooting incident of 25 January 1993 which resulted in at least 14 deaths, and the shooting incident of 26 January which resulted in at least 4 deaths. The communication also mentions the discovery of more than 15 bodies which were found, mutilated and bound, in the waters around Lome.
The report also provides a general overview of the political and economic situation in Togo, including irregularities with respect to how elections are conducted.
The third communication No. 91/93, alleges that on 30 January 1993 the Togolese military shot and killed 20 peaceful demonstrators in Lome. This was related to a general breakdown of law and order which resulted in numerous violations of human rights by the security forces. Abuses by the security forces caused 40,000 Togolese to flee the country
Complaint:
The complainants allege grave and massive violations of various rights protected by the African Charter.
Finding:
The Commission sent a delegation to Togo and was adduced that these acts were committed under a previous administration. The Commission is satisfied that the present administration has dealt with the issues satisfactorily.
14) 86/93 M.S. Ceesay v. The Gambia
Facts:
The complainant was a Corporal in The Gambia National Army and was on 14 June 1991 - according to the complainant -randomly selected as one of seven men to see the Commander in order to discuss the problems of the Contingent sent to Liberia under ECOMOG. When the seven men had gathered they were immediately surrounded by armed personnel who attempted to arrest them. They managed to flee to the State House but were arrested, subsequently suspended and discharged allegedly because of state mutiny but without charge or trial.
According to the Attorney General, Mr. Ceesay and others were marching in the streets protesting because of lack of payment. The protesters were disrupting the peace and were charged with mutiny. A commission of Enquiry was set up to decide on the cases and the mutineers were eventually dismissed, the most inferior sanction available against mutiny.
Complaint:
The complainant asks the Commission to order re-instatement or to compel the Gambian authorities to issue the complainant with a certificate of discharge.
Decision:
The Government notified the Commission that the complainant had not had recourse to the local remedies. At its 16th Session the Commission declared the communication inadmissible.
16) 87/93 the Constitutional Rights Project (in respect of Zamani Lakwot and 6 others) v. Nigeria
THE FACTS
1. Communication 87/93 was brought on behalf of seven men - Zamani Lekwot, James Atomic Kude, Yohanna Karau Kibori, Marcus Mamman, Yahaya Duniya, Julius Sarki Zamman Dabo and Iliya Maza - sentenced to death under the Civil Disturbances (Special Tribunal) Decree No.2 of 1987 from Nigeria. This decree does not provide for any judicial appeal against the decisions of the special tribunals and prohibits the courts from reviewing any aspect of the operation of the tribunal.
2. The communication also alleges that the accused and their counsel were constantly harassed and intimidated during the trial, ultimately forcing the withdrawal of the defence counsel. Despite the lack of defense, the tribunal condemned the accused to death for culpable homicide, unlawful assembly and breach of the peace.
ARGUMENT
3. The communication argues that the prohibition on judicial review of the special tribunals and lack of judicial appeals of judgments of these tribunals violates the right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts violating fundamental rights, guaranteed by Article 7, paragraph l(a) of the African Charter.
4. The communication complains that the conduct of the trials before these tribunals, which included harassment of defense counsel, and deprivation of defense counsel, violated the right to be defended by counsel of one's choice, guaranteed by Article 7, paragraph l(c).
5. The communication finally complains that the practice of setting up special tribunals, composed of members of the armed forces and police in addition to judges, violates the right to be tried by an impartial tribunal guaranteed by Article 7, paragraph 1 (d).
THE LAW
Admissibility
6. The case was declared admissible at the 14th Session of the Commission on the following grounds:
The case raises the question of whether the remedies available are of a nature that requires exhaustion.
The Act complained of in Communication No. 87/93 is the Civil Disturbances (Special Tribunal) Act, in which Part IV, Section S(1) provides:
"The validity of any decision, sentence, judgment,... or order given or made,... or any other thing whatsoever done under this Act shall not be inquired into in any court of law."
The Civil Disturbances Act empowers the Armed Forces Ruling Council to confirm the penalties of the Tribunal.
This power is a discretionary, extraordinary remedy of a non-judicial nature. The object of the remedy is to obtain a favour and not vindicate a right. It would be improper to insist on the complainant seeking remedies from a source which does not operate impartially and has no obligation to decide according to legal principles. The remedy is neither adequate nor effective.
Therefore, the Commission is of the opinion that the remedy available is not of a nature that requires exhaustion according to Article 56, paragraph 5 of the African Charter.
THE MERITS OF THE CASE
7. The Civil Disturbances (Special Tribunal) Act, Part IV, Section 8(1) provides:
"The validity of any decision, sentence, judgment,... or order given or made,... or any other thing whatsoever done under this Act shall not be inquired into in any court of law."
8. A "decision, sentence, judgment... order given or made... or any other thing whatsoever done under" the Civil Disturbances Act may certainly constitute an "Act violating fundamental rights in question are those to life and liberty provided for in Articles 4 and 6 of the African Charter. While punishments decreed as the culmination of a carefully conducted criminal procedure do not necessarily constitute violations of these rights, to foreclose any avenue of appeal to "competent national organs" in criminal cases bearing such Charter, and increases the risk that even severe violations may go unredressed.
9. The communication alleges that during the trials the defense counsel for the complainants was harassed and intimidated to the extent of being forced to withdraw from the proceedings. In spite of this forced withdrawal of counsel, the tribunal proceeded to give judgment in the matter, finally sentencing the accused to death. The Commission finds that defendants were deprived of their right to defense, including the right to be defended by counsel of their choice, violation of Article 7.1 (c) as cited above.
10. The Civil Disturbances (Special Tribunal) Act, Part II, Section 2 (2) says that the tribunal shall consist of one judge and four members of the Armed Forces. As such, the tribunal is composed of persons belonging largely to the executive branch of government, the same branch that passed the Civil Disturbances Act.
Article 7.1 (d) of the African Charter requires the court or tribunal to be impartial. Regardless of the character of the individual members of such tribunals, its composition alone creates the appearance, if not actual lack of impartiality. It thus violates Article 7.1 (d).
FOR THE ABOVE REASONS, THE COMMISSION
declares that there has been a violation of Article 7(a), (c) and (d) of the African Charter; and
recommends that the Government of Nigeria should free the
complaints.
At the 17th Session the Commission decided to bring the file to Nigeria for a planned mission in order to make sure that the violations have been repaired.
16. 90/93 Paul S. Haye v. The Gambia
Facts:
In November 1987, the complainant hired Edward Gomez, an attorney, to register a company for him. Complainant paid to Mr. Gomez a sum of D7,150 in fees, but the company was never registered. In March 1990, complainant sued Mr. Gomez for the return of the money. Mr. Gomez filed a counter-claim, but before the suit could be heard the judge who had been scheduled to hear the case resigned. After inquiries to discover when the suit would be heard, complainant was told to await notice by the court.
On 2 October 1991, a mini van belonging to the complainant was seized. He was informed that after failure to appear in court on 28 May 1991, a default judgment was entered in favour of Mr. Gomez, and the mini van was seized to satisfy the judgment. Complainant filed a motion for leave to appeal the judgment to the Gambia Court of Appeal on the grounds that he never received notification of the 28 May court date. This motion was heard by the same judge who made the original judgment, and was denied. Therefore the complainant alleges that he has no further domestic remedies available.
Argument:
Complainant alleged violation of his rights under Article 7 to have his cause heard. The Supreme Court judge had absolute discretion to disallow an appeal of his own judgement.
Questions also arise over the adequacy of the procedure of service (notification of hearing date).
Decision:
At its 16th Session, the Commission declared the case inadmissible for non-exhaustion of local remedies. The complainant by reason of his own default and/or negligence, did not seek to appeal to the court of Appeal of the Gambia against the decision of the Supreme Court referring his application for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Upon the complainant being notified of this decision he wrote back urging the Commission to review its decision on the same grounds he had advanced before. As no new grounds are raised or shown, the Commission finds no reasons to disturb its previous decision which is accordingly re-affirmed.
17) 92/93 International Pen v. Sudan (in respect of Kemal al- Jazouli)
THE FACTS:
1. The communication concerns one Kemal al-Jazouli, who was held incommunicado without charge from March to June 1992. During this period he had no opportunity to challenge his detention in a court of law.
2. The complaint alleges violation of Articles 6 and 7 of the African Charter.
3. The Commission is of the opinion that none of the information given whether taken individually or together can constitute exhaustion of local remedies. The victim was tried in June 1992 and the complaint was lodged with the Commission in March 1993. He had ample freedom to exhaust local remedies before he approached the Commission. The fact that the Government has in general terms denied the existence of incommunicado detentions in Sudan does not amount to saying that the case has been tried in Sudanese courts.
FOR THESE REASONS, TEE COMMISSION
declares the communication inadmissible for non-exhaustion of local remedies.
18) 101/93 Civil Liberties Organization in respect of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Nigeria
THE FACTS
1. The communication is brought by the Civil Liberties Organization, a Nigerian non-governmental organization, in protest against the Legal Practitioners' Decree. This decree establishes a new governing body of the Nigerian Bar Association, namely the Body of Benchers. Of the 128 members of this body, only 31 are nominees of the Bar Association. The rest are nominees of the government.
2. The functions of the Body of Benchers are (1) the prescription of practicing fees one tenth of which are payable every year to the Body and (2) the disciplining of legal practitioners.
3. The decree excludes recourse to the Courts and makes it an offence 'to commence or maintain an action or any legal proceeding whatever relating to or connected with or arising from the exercise of any of the powers of the Body of Benchers". The decree is retrospective.
ARGUMENT
4. The communication argues that the prohibition on litigation violates Article 7 of the African Charter.
5. The communication argues that the new governing body for the Nigerian Bar Association, established by governmental decree, violates Nigerian Lawyers' freedom of association guaranteed by Article of the African Charter.
THE LAW
6. This communication was declared admissible at the 16th Session.
7. The Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Decree 1993, Section 23A, Sub-section 1, reads:
"No person shall commence or maintain an action or any legal proceeding whatsoever relating to, connected with or arising from:
a) the management of the affairs of the association; or
b) the exercise or preparation by the Body of Benchers for the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this Act."
8. A decision must be taken as to whether the above mentioned decree constitutes a violation of the African Charter.
9. The Commission finds that the present case raises questions concerning Article .., the right to liberty, Article 7, the right to fair trail, and Article 10, the right to freedom of association.
10. The above mentioned Legal practitioners (Amendment) Decree 1993, Section 23A, sub-section 3 reads:
"A person who contravenes the sub-section (1) of this section commits an offence and is liable on, conviction to a fine N10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of one year to both such fine and imprisonment."
The Decree is retrospective since it was issue 18 February 1993 but was deemed to come into force on 31 July 1992.
11. Article 6 of the African Charter reads:
"No one may be deprived of his freedom, except for reasons and conditions previously laid down by law."
No retrospective law may deprive a person of his liberty. The wording of the decree therefore constitutes a violation of Article 6.
12. Article 7(2) of the African Charter reads:
"No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed."
The Commission is of the opinion that the retrospective effect of the decree constitutes a violation of Article 7(2) of the African Charter.
13. Article 17(1) of the African Charter reads:
"Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard..."
The powers of the Body of Benchers include financial and disciplinary matters. The prohibition on litigation against these powers infringes the right to appeal to national organs, and violates Article 7(1) of the Charter.
14. Article 10 of the African Charter reads:
1. Every individual shall have the right to free association provided he abides by the law..."
Freedom of association is enunciated as an individual right and is first and foremost a duty for the State to abstain from interfering with the free formation of associations. There must always be a general capacity for citizens to join, without State interference, in associations in order to attain various ends.
15. In regulating the use of this right, the competent authorities should not enact provisions which would limit the exercise of this freedom. The competent authorities should not override constitutional provisions or undermine fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution and international human rights standards.
16. The Body of Benchers is dominated by representatives of the government and has wide discretionary powers. This interference with the free association of the Nigerian Bar Association is inconsistent with the preamble of the African Charter in conjunction with UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary and thereby constitutes a violation of Article 10 of the African Charter.
holds that there has been a violation of Articles 6,7 and 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples's Rights. The Decree should therefore be annulled.
19) 104.94, 109 - 126/94 Centre for Independence of Judges and Lawyers v. Algeria, and others.
THE FACTS
1. The communication is in the form of a report published by the Centre for the Independence of Judges and Lawyers of Geneva, Switzerland. It describes harassment and persecution of judges and lawyers in 53 different countries including 18 of the African countries party to the African Charter.
The harassment and persecution described includes murder, torture intimidation and threats of all kinds. The report describes special features of court systems, such as military courts and special tribunals.
COMPLAINT
2. The communication does not specify which of the facts it contains it regards as violations. Neither does it specify any sought remedy.
3. Article 56 of the African Charter reads:
"Communications... shall be considered if they:
1. Indicate their authors even if the latter requests anonymity..."
4. Rule 114, section 3 the Rules of Procedure of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights reads:
"In order to decide on the admissibility of a communication... the Commission shall ensure:
b) that the author alleges to be a victim of a violation, ..., that the communication is submitted in the name of an individual who is a victim (or individuals who are victims) who would be unable to submit a communication or to authorize it to be done".
5. The reason for these provisions is that the Commission must receive communications with adequate information with a certain degree of specificity concerning the victims.
6. The present report submitted by the CIJL does not give specific places, dates, and times of alleged incidents sufficient to permit the Commission to intervene or investigate. In some cases, incidents are cited without given the names of the aggrieved parties. There are numerous references to "anonymous" lawyers and judges. Thus, in this case the author is not an alleged victim, nor is the communication submitted in the name of a specific victim, nor does the complainant allege grave and massive violations. The information in the communication is insufficient to permit the Commission to take action.
FOR THE ABOVE REASONS, THE AFRICAN COMMISSION
Declares the communications inadmissible.
20) 127/94 Sana Dumbuya v. The Gambia
Facts:
Mr. Dumbuya complains that he was working as a registry clerk for the Ministry for Local Government and Lands from January to July 1992. In July 1992 he was dismissed under unclear circumstances, allegedly for leaking official secrets.
Decision:
The complainant has failed or neglected to respond to two requests by the Commission for information whether all local remedies have been exhausted. In the circumstances the Commission during its 16th Session declared the communication inadmissible on account of lack of exhaustion of local remedies.
21) 136/94 William Courson v. Zimbabwe
Facts:
The communication concerns the legal status of homosexuals in Zimbabwe. Domestic law of Zimbabwe criminalizes sexual contacts between consenting adult homosexual men in private. According to the complainant, this prohibition is currently being enforced in Zimbabwe, encouraged by statements against homosexuals by the President and by the Minister of Home Affairs.
The communication complaints of violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, namely Articles 1 _,_
16, 20, 22 and 24. The complainant points to Articles 60 of the Charter which states that the Commission shall draw inspiration from international law on human and peoples' rights and as Annex B to the communication the complainant has attached the views adopted by the Human Rights Committee in the case of Mr. Toonen vs. Australia. In this case the Committee was of the view that the criminalization of homosexuality in Tasmania was unreasonable and interfered arbitrarily with Mr. Toones's right to privacy under Article 17, paragraph 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR).
Finding
The communication was withdrawn by the author. The Commission saw no need to continue with it.
22) 138/94 International PEN on behalf of Senn and Sangare v. Cote d'Ivoire.
Facts:
International Pen submitted the communication on behalf of two journalists - Senn and Sangare - who published an article that had appeared in Jeune Afrique about President Bedie. They were charged, imprisoned and fined while the appeal was pending. They were again detained, charged and imprisoned but subsequently released in an amnesty. In a subsequent letter to the Commission, the author insisted that the journalists were detained in violation of their rights.
Finding:
After reviewing the situation, the Commission held the view that if the author required any remedies, it should first resort to the legal system of Cote d'Ivoire, the amnesty having extirpated the legal effects of detention and from which the Commission could take note of.
23) 142/94 Muthuthirin Njoka v. Kenya (previously 56/91)
The communication was submitted by Muthuthirin Njoka who alleges that he was illegally admitted to Mathera Mental Hospital through Police duress and pressure. He alleges the wrong implementation of the Police Act 1961 and Mental Treatment Act 1949, which were both enacted by the colonial government. He also alleges wrongful detention and torture, the wrongful imprisonment of his sons and other members of his family, harassment of the members of his family and the confiscation of family property.
The communication was originally submitted in 1991 and designated No. 56/91. On 21 October 1993, the Commission decided that the communication was inadmissible because Kenya was not party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights at the time it was submitted.
Mr. Njoka was accordingly intimated but was also informed that he could re-submit his communication since Kenya had subsequently ratified the Charter. This, he did.
Applicable Law:
The complainant alleges violations of his rights under Articles 5, 6, 7 and 21 of the Charter.
Recommendation:
The cause of the complaint arose at a time when Kenya was not a party to the Charter. There is no evidence of a continuing damage in breach of the Charter.
The communication is incoherent in several respects:
1) The author alleges in a letter of 14 June 1994 to the Registrar of the High Court of Kenya that his suits had been pending in Court for 9 years. One was against Kenya claiming the sum of 7.5 billion Kenyan shillings for the wrongful implementation of colonial statutes and another claiming 12.5 billion British shillings for wrongfully passing those legislation.
2) A letter of 20 March 1991 addressed to the World
Health Organization is enclosed. The letter wants
"the definition of mental capacity and the position
of a living being."
3) A letter of 31 May 1993 addressed to the Secretary-
General of the OAU requires the Organization "to
intercept this matter... quash the sentences
imposed on my sons and set them free."
The author is incoherent and his complaints are vague. The communication is inadmissible.
FOR THESE REASONS, THE COMMISSION
Declares the communication inadmissible.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE 16TH SESSION
1. RESOLUTION ON THE MILITARY
2. RESOLUTION ON NIGERIA
3. RESOLUTION ON RWANDA
4. RESOLUTION ON THE GAMBIA
5. RESOLUTION ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN AFRICA
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 16th Ordinary Session held from 25 October to 3 November, 1994 in Banjul, The Gambia,
Recalling the intervention in African States by the military during the past three decades, and the fact that only very few states have escaped this phenomenon,
Affirming that the best government is one elected by, and accountable to the people,
Aware that the trend world-wide and in Africa in particular is to condemn military take-overs and the intervention by the military in politics,
Recognizing that the forcible take-over of government by Army civilian or military group contravenes Articles 13 (1) and 20 (1) of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights,
Considering that such interventions stultify political development and antagonize relations between national groups:
1. CALLS UPON African military regimes to respect fundamental rights.
2. REMINDS them that they are entrusted with the national armouries solely for the purpose of national defence and the maintenance of internal order under the direction of the legitimate authorities;
3. CALLS UPON incumbent military governments to handover political power to democratically elected governments without prolonging their incumbencies and unnecessarily delaying the return to democratic civilian rule;
4. ENCOURAGES states to relegate the era of military interventions in government to the past in the interest of the African image~ progress and development, and for the creation of an environment in which Human Rights values may flourish.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 16th Ordinary Session held from 25th October to 3 November, 1994 in Banjul, The Gambia,
Recalling that Nigeria has ratified the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights,
BELIEVING that the restoration of democracy in Nigeria will be a positive step in African development,
REGRETS the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election which was adjudged free and fair by national and international observers,
CONDEMNS the gross violations of Human Rights as evidence in:
1. the exclusion of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights from the operation of decrees adopted by the military regime;
2. the detention of pro-democracy activists and members of the press;
3. the exclusion of the jurisdiction of courts over decrees;
4. discarding of court judgements;
5. the promulgation of laws without proper procedure of penal laws with retroactive effect;
6. the closure of newspaper houses.
CALLS UPON the Nigerian military government to respect the right of free participation in government and the right to self-determination and hand over the government to duly elected representatives of the people without unnecessary delay;
RE-AFFIRMS the decision to send a delegation of Commission members to meet with the Nigeria Head of State, to express concern of the Commission about the gross violations of human rights and express the need for the Nigeria military government to urgently transfer power to a civilian government.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 16th Ordinary Session held from 25 October to 3 November, 1994 in Banjul. The Gambia,
Considering the appointment at the 15th Session of the Vice-Chairman of the African commission as Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial executions,
Considering the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur indicating that genocide and massive human rights and international humanitarian law violations have been committed in Rwanda,
Considering the preliminary report of the UN Experts' Committee on Rwanda and its findings corroborating those of the UN Special Rapporteur,
Considering the UN Security Councils decision to approve the establishment of an international tribunal on Rwanda,
Considering the pledge of the Government of Rwanda and the International Community as expressed in the Hague Declaration of 18th September, 1994 to try the authors of the atrocious crimes committed in Rwanda:
1. CONDEMNS the inhuman and heinous crimes committed in Rwanda during the recent conflict;
2. EXPRESSES its support for the establishment of an international tribunal by the UN to try those responsible for the crimes;
3. CALLS FOR the convening by the OAU over the next few months in collaboration with African and international NGOs, a meeting of African and international experts to study long-term solutions to the problem of impunity in Africa with special reference to the case of Rwanda, and to formulate appropriate recommendations;
4. CALLS ON the OAU to explore ways and means of encouraging African jurists to participate in the process of reconstruction of the judicial machinery in Rwanda;
5. URGES the Government of Rwanda to prevent the perpetration of acts of reprisals and vengeance by the rapid establishment of a new police force and a local administration respectful of human rights and composed of members of all the ethnic groups of Rwanda.
6. EXHORTS the Government of Rwanda to ensure the rapid deployment of national and international human rights monitors as well as the strengthening of the interceding peace-keeping forces throughout Rwanda.
7. URGES international institutions and NGOs in general and African NGO's in particular to contribute to the effort of International solidarity and assist in the rapid reconstruction of Rwanda through the provision of technical and financial assistance especially by facilitating the resumption of the activities of local Human Rights NGOs in Rwanda.
RESOLUTION ON TEE GAMBIA
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 16th Ordinary Session held from 25 October to 3 November, 1994 in Banjul, The Gambia,
Recalling the military take-over of the reins of government of the Gambia on the 22nd July 1994 which brought an end to an elected government and threatened the respect for Human Rights and the rule of law in that country,
Reaffirming the fundamental principle that all governments should be based on the consent of the people freely expressed by them and through their chosen representatives and that a military government is a clear violation of this fundamental principle of democracy,
Drawing attention to provisions of articles 13 of the Charter which provides, inter alia, that "Every citizen shall have the right to freely participate in the government of his country, either directly or through chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law",
Convinced that the introduction of military rule is a clear setback to the cause of democracy and democratic development in The Gambia and Africa generally:
1. REITERATES that the military coup in The Gambia is a flagrant and grave violation of the right of the Gambian people to freely choose their government;
2. REQUESTS the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council to transfer power to freely elected representatives of the people;
3. CALLS UPON the military authorities to ensure that:
i) the bill of Rights contained in the Gambian Constitution remains supreme over all other legislation emanating from the Ruling Council;
ii) the dependence of the judiciary is respected;
iii) during the transition period, the rule of law, as well as the recognized international standards of fair trial and treatment of persons in custody are observed;
iv) all detainees should either be charged with the commission of offences or released forthwith and that meanwhile the rights of detainees to have access to their lawyers and members of their families are scrupulously respected.
RESOLUTION ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN AFRICA
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 16th Ordinary Session held from 25 October to 3 November, 1994 in Banjul, The Gambia,
Acknowledging that the human rights situation in many African countries is characterized by the violations of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights.
Alarmed by the possible resurgence of the illegal seizure of the reins of government in Africa,
Expressing concern over the persistent situation of refugees and internally displaced persons affecting the African Continent,
Seriously concerned with the continuous restrictions imposed on the right of freedom of expression by the arrest of journalists and the closure of newspapers in some African countries,
Considering that the persistent economic crisis in Africa has aggravated the human rights situation of vulnerable groups in Africa societies, in particular women and children,
Also concerned with the consequences of persistent ways in several African States, on the civilian population, which prevent the realization of the right to development,
Bearing in mind its role under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, to ensure the protection of Human and Peoples' Rights:
1. CONDEMNS the planning or execution of Coups d'Etat and any attempt to seize power by undemocratic means;
2. CALLS UPON all African Governments to ensure that elections and electoral processes are transparent and fair;
3. URGES all African countries to adopt the appropriate means to stop the phenomenon of refugees and internally displaced persons affecting the continent;
4. CONDEMNS all attempts at restricting the right to freedom of expression;
5. CALLS UPON all African Governments to adopt legislative and other measures to protect vulnerable groups of society, in particular women and children, against the consequences of the persistent economic crisis in Africa;
6. URGES all those parties engaged in war on the African continent, to abide by the provisions of International Humanitarian Law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and to undertake all efforts to restore peace.
1. RESOLUTION ON SUDAN
2. RESOLUTION ON NIGERIA
3. RESOLUTION ON THE GAMBIA
4. RESOLUTION ON ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES
5. RESOLUTION ON CONDITIONS IN THE PRISONS OF
AFRICA
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 17th Ordinary Session, 13-22 March 1995, Lome, Togo,
Recalling that Sudan is legally bound to comply with international human rights and international humanitarian law treaties it has ratified, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the International Covenant on "Civil and Political Rights, The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Slavery Convention, the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the four Geneva Conventions of 1949,
Considering the consistent reports from United Nations experts, non-governmental organizations and others of continuing gross violations of human rights committed by the Government of Sudan,
Further considering that such reports also document gross abuses committed by factions of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the South Sudan Independence Army (SSIA),
Mindful that the need for large scale humanitarian aid in parts of Sudan is principally a result of the continuing war and gross human rights abuses,
Alarmed by the large number of internally displaced persons and the continuing exodus of refugees, mainly from southern Sudan and the Nuba Mountain region:
1. EXPRESSED DEEP CONCERN at the continuing human rights abuses in Sudan;
2. CALLS on the government to take immediate steps to respect all human rights, including bringing law and practice into line with international human rights standards, carrying out prompt, impartial and independent investigations into reports of human rights violation and bringing to justice those responsible;
3. FURTHER CALLS on the Government of Sudan to give all detainees prompt and regular access to their family, lawyers and doctors;
4. CALLS on all parties to the armed conflict immediately to cease using military force to interfere with the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population and to allow such assistance to be delivered unhindered;
5. FURTHER CALLS on all factions of the SPLA and the SSIA to respect international humanitarian law, particularly Article 3 common to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, including ending deliberate and arbitrary killings and the torture of detainees.
7. APPEALS to the Government of Sudan to support negotiations for a settlement to the conflict and ensure that any agreement includes strong guarantees for the protection of human rights;
8. CALLS for human rights monitors to be placed in Sudan and other locations to facilitate the monitoring and assessment of the human rights situation throughout the country.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 17th Ordinary Session held from 13 to 22 March 1995, Lome, Togo,
Guided by African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and other international human rights instruments of which Nigeria is a signatory,
Reaffirming that all Member States including Nigeria have the duty to fulfil the obligations they have undertaken under the various international human rights instruments, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights,
Recalling the resolution passed by the African Commission at its 16th Session in Banjul in November 1994 which condemned the gross violations of Human Rights in Nigeria by the military government,
Deeply concerned about the political, social, economic and general situation in Nigeria and the consequences that may result therefrom,
Condemns the continued gross and massive violations of human rights in Nigeria and particularly:
i) the arbitrary arrests and detention of human rights and pro-democracy activists, critics and opponents of military rule;
II) severe restriction on the rights to freedoms of expression, including the banning of several newspapers and newsmagazines;
iii) circumscribing the independence of the judiciary and setting up military tribunals lacking independence and due process to try persons suspected of being opposed to the military regimes;
iv) the abolition of habeas corpus with respect to political detainees;
v) restrictions on the right to leave the country;
vi) restrictions on the right to freedom of association;
vii) promulgation of decrees and laws ousting the application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and preventing the Courts from intervening in cases of human rights violations.
CALLS UPON the military government in Nigeria to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law, and in particular to release all political prisoners, reopen all closed media and respect freedom of the press, lift arbitrarily imposed travel restrictions, allow unfettered exercise of jurisdiction by the courts and remove all military tribunals from the judicial system.
URGES: the military government in Nigeria to respect the rights of minorities and all religions and ensure full respect for the right of association.
AGAIN CALLS UPON the military government in Nigeria to take immediate steps to return Nigeria to democratic rule.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 17th Ordinary Session held from 13 to 22 March 1995, Lome, Togo,
Recalling the condemnation of the 22 July 1994 coup d'Etat in The Gambia by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the International community and the consequence of the military coup d'etat on the principles of democracy and the rule of law,
Taking note of the continued presence of the military in power in The Gambia, despite calls for an immediate handing over to a civilian government, as expressed in the resolution on The Gambia by the ACHPR during its 16th Ordinary Session held in Banjul in October 1994,
Taking note with great concern that there are allegations of serious violations of Human Rights in the period of military rule:
1. NOTES the reduction of the timetable of transition to civilian rule by the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council from 4 to 2 years and therefore recommends strongly that the international and Donor Communities lift the economic sanctions imposed on The Gambia;
2. INSISTS on the need for an independent Judiciary and due process of law in The Gambia under all circumstances;
3. RENEWS its demands on the AFPRC to accelerate the process of transition to constitutional rule and to abolish all decrees that infringe the freedom of The Gambia people individually and collectively, including the freedom of expression, the press, and the right of association and assembly.
4. CALLS UPON the AFPRC to set up an independent commission of inquiry to investigate all allegations of violation of Human Rights.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 17th Ordinary Session held from 13 to 22 March 1995, Lome, Togo,
Recalling the 1980 United Nations Convention on the use of certain conventional weapons which may be deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects,
Considering Resolution CM/Res.1726 (LX) adopted at the sixtieth session of the OAU Council of Ministers in Tunis (6-11 June 1994), calling upon Member States to ratify the above Convention and considering the holding of its next Review Conference in Vienna from 25 September to 13 October 1995,
Noting with regret the extremely limited number of African States parties to this Convention,
Considering the significant ravages caused by the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel mines, particularly in Africa where more than 30 million mines are scattered,
Noting with concern the consequences of the proliferation of mines in African countries, particularly the failure of efforts of rehabilitation in the affected areas and of reconstruction, in countries which emerged from wars,
Considering that this phenomenon constitutes a flagrant violation of the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and, more specifically, of its article 4,
Further considering that one of the most adequate means to combat this calamity would be the extension of the 1980 United Nations Convention on situations of internal conflicts and, the adoption of effective provisions for the implementation of this Convention particularly aiming at the prohibition of restrictions on the use of mines;
Recalling the resolution on the promotion and respect of International Humanitarian Law and Human and Peoples' Rights, adopted in Addis Ababa by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights at its fourteenth session which recognized the competence of the International Humanitarian Law, and, the usefulness of a close cooperation in the dissemination of International Humanitarian Law and Human and Peoples' Rights,
Recognizing the importance of the NGOs in highlighting public awareness and, the need to strengthen their capacity in assisting mines victims:
1. ENCOURAGES African States to ratify, within the shortest possible time, the 1980 United Nations Convention on prohibitions or restrictions on the use of certain conventional weapons which may be deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects;
2. URGENTLY REQUESTS African States to participate in large numbers in the review conference to press for the introduction of a clause on the prohibition or restriction of the use of mines in that convention;
3. RECOMMENDS that concrete and effective steps be urgently taken to prohibit the manufacture of anti-personnel mines and to ensure that existing stocks are destroyed and an international control mechanism is set up;
4. APPEALS to the manufacturers of anti-personnel mines so that they may be conscious of the dangers and destruction caused by the use of their products;
5. REQUESTS that the provisions of the above Convention be extended to situations of internal conflicts;
6. CALLS UPON Member States to closely associate the NGOs with the implementation of the present resolution, and, particularly with the conception and execution of consciousness raising and mine victims rehabilitation programmes.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights meeting at its 17th Ordinary Session held from 13 to 22 March, 1995 in Lome, Togo,
Guided by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and, in particular, Article 45 of the Charter which defines the mandate of the Commission,
Considering that the rights established and guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights extend to all categories of persons including prisoners, detainees and other persons deprived of their liberty,
Considering also the leading role played by African States in the establishment of international norms and standards for the protection of human rights of prisoners including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, among others, and that an overwhelming majority of the States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights subscribe to the principles and rules contained in these international norms and standards,
Aware of Resolution 1984/87 of the United Nations Economic and Social Council which requests States to "inform the Secretary-General of the United Nations every five years of the progress made with the application of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and of the factors and difficulties, if any, affecting their implementation~,
Concerned that the conditions of prisons and prisoners in many African countries are afflicted by severe inadequacies including high congestion, poor physical, health and sanitary conditions; inadequate recreational, vocational and rehabilitation programmes, restricted contact with the outside world, large percentages of persons awaiting trial, among others,
Conscious that States assume responsibilities to look after the welfare of persons who have been deprived for their liberty including prisoners and detainees;
Acknowledging that several States in Africa are presently experiencing economic difficulties,
Mindful of the obligation of the States parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights to improve prison conditions and protect the human rights of prisoners, detainees and other persons deprived of their liberty in Africa and efforts undertaken;
HEREBY:
1. RESOLVES THAT prison conditions in many African countries do not conform with the articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and to the international norms and standards for the protection of the human rights of prisoners including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, among others;
2. URGES States parties to the African Charter who have not yet ratified the United Nations convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment to do so;
3. URGES States parties of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights to include in the reports submitted to the Commission under Article 62 of the Charter information on human rights affecting the human rights of prisoners;
4. CALLS UPON States parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples's Rights to comply with Resolution 1984/877 of the United Nations Economic and Social Council to submit periodic reports to the Secretary-General of the United Nations in compliance with the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
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