Coalition for an Effective African Court

The Republic of Rwanda has officially deposited the declaration under Article 34(6) of the Protocol establishing the Court which allows direct access of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with observer status before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Individuals to the Court.

Rwanda is the 6th country out of 26 which have ratified the Protocol establishing the Court to deposit such Declaration. Other countries which have deposited the Declaration include Tanzania, Mali, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Malawi. The declaration from the Republic of Rwanda was signed on 22 January 2013.

Article 34(6) of the Protocol requires each country which has made ratification of the Protocol to deposit a declaration accepting the competence of the Court to receive cases under article 5(3) of the same Protocol. The Court cannot entertain any application under article 5(3) involving a State Party which has not made such declaration.

The newly elected Judge, Hon. Justice Aba Kimelabalou from Togo has been sworn in today at the swearing ceremony which commenced at 9:30AM at the Court’s premises (Kibo Hall), located in the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Conservation Centre (Close to TANAPA Office), Dodoma Road.

Justice Aba Kimelabalou was elected at the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union and appointed by the 20th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on 28 January 2013.

The 28th Ordinary Session of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights have commenced today, 4 March 2013 up to 15 March 2013 at its seat, Arusha, Tanzania.

During the Session, the court will hold a public hearing in respect of Application No. 013/2011 - The Beneficiaries of the late Norbert Zongo, Abdoulaye Nikiema alias Ablassé, Ernest Zongo, Blaise Ilboudo, and the Burkinabe Movement for Human and Peoples' Rights (Applicants) vs. the Republic of Burkina Faso (Respondent) on 7 and 8 March 2013.

The public is invited to attend the hearing at 9:30AM, the session will commence at 10:00AM (Arusha time).

For more information, please visit the African Court link provided below.

Public hearing in the matter of the beneficiaries of the late Norbert Zongo and others against the Republic of Burkina-Faso.

  
PRACTICE MANUAL on the Procedure of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Donations received will support the activities of the Coalition, in particular assisting young African interns to gain experience in the procedures of the African Court. The Coalition is committed to encouraging young lawyers and persons interested in the African human rights legal system. Contact the Secretariat for further information.

Our development partners:
.