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Le Mandat

in

In brief

In 1998, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (the Declaration on human rights defenders).

In August 2000, Ms Hina Jilani, from Pakistan, was appointed the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders.

With regards to Africa, the Grand Bay (1999) and Kigali (2003) Declarations reaffirmed the commitment of the African Union to take measures for the implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and to recognise the important part played by human rights defenders in the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights. In 2004, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Commission) created the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa. The African Commission is the first regional human rights body to create a specific special procedure to deal with the protection of defenders' rights.The decision to appoint a Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders followed the establishment of a focal point on this issue as a response to the grave risks faced by defenders in Africa. Through this mandate, the African Commission examines, reports and acts upon information concerning the situation of defenders in the continent.

In June 2004, Ms Jainaba Johm was nominated first Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders in Africa. In December 2005, Honourable Commissioner Reine Alapini-Gansou was appointed as the new Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders in Africa. In November 2009 Honourable Commissioner Bechir Khalfallah was appointed Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa. Honourable Commissioner Lucy Asuagbor was appointed Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa during the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Commission held from 10 to 24 November 2010 in Banjul, the Gambia.

The African Commission entrusted the Special Rapporteur with the Mandate to:

  • To seek out, receive, examine and act upon information concerning the situation of human rights defenders in Africa;
  • To present a report, at each ordinary session of the African Commission, on the situation of human rights defenders in Africa;
  • To establish cooperation and dialogue with member States, national human rights institutions, intergovernmental organisations, international and regional mechanisms, human rights defenders and other partners;
  • To formulate and recommend strategies to further the protection of human rights defenders and ensure follow-up on these recommendations;
  • To promote and raise awareness of the implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa.

The Special Rapporteur’s key mission is to ensure the protection of human rights defenders in Africa. Her/ his primary role is to protect defenders themselves, the organisations that they work for, and their right to protect and promote human rights. Her/his responsibilities are numerous. She /he receive information about violations against human rights defenders, publishes urgent appeals and press releases on cases brought to her. She conducts official missions to evaluate the situation of human rights defenders in a particular country, makes recommendations on how States can implement the UN Declaration on human rights defenders and takes part in meetings and conferences on issues relating to the defence of human rights.

Resolutions on the creation and the renewal of the mandate

Resolution appointing Ms Lucy Asuagbor as Special Rapporteur

  • Resolution creating the mandate
    Resolution 69(XXXV)04
  • Resolutions on the appointment or the renewal of the mandate

Resolution 83 (XXXV)05
Resolution 125(XXXXII)07

  • Other resolutions on HRDs

Resolution 56(XXIX)01 on the situation of HRDs in Tunisia
Resolution 119(XXXXII)07 on the situation of HRDs in Africa

Other Resolutions

RESOLUTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS FOR A STUDY GROUP ON FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION IN AFRICA

Legal instruments on human rights defenders

Plan of Action

The SR had focused her previous term (2005-2007) on the theme "Human rights defenders Human: a need for synergy. Full text

Seminars and workshops

  • National Dialogue on Human Rights Issues in Benin (10 December 2008): On December 10, 2008 the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated. This celebration marks the end of the campaign initiated by the United Nations for this purpose. Full text
  • Colloquium (23-25 October 2008): On December 10, 2007, the United Nations has launched an awareness campaign to mark the historical significance of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Full text
  • Cotonou workshop (31 August - 4 September 2008): Having noticed the need of a real agreement from various actors who are involved in the promotion and the protection of human rights on the continent, the SR had centred her preceding mandate on '“the rights of human rights defenders: a need for synergy”.''' Full text

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Sessions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights

Missions

Publications

Photo Galleries

  • The Special Rapporteur 1 2 3
  • Members of the Commission 1 2 3