12: Resolution on Malawi

Posted on April 16, 2012 by admin

We the participants at the NGO Forum preceding in the 51^st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 25^th African human Rights Book fair held from 14^th-16 April, 2012 in Banjul, The Gambia

Recognizing, the orderly transfer of power to the new leadership in Malawi, after the sudden death of President Mutharika

Commend, the commitment shown by all political and state security actors in Malawi for respecting the constitution and its dictates on the issue of succession of national leadership, process and procedure and maintaining peace and stability in the midst of the brief power vacuum, which emerged between 5-10 April 2012

Asserting the African Charter for Human and Peoples’ Rights (adopted 27 June 1981and reflecting on the prescribed articles: article 3- equality before the law and protection by the law; article 4- respect for human life; article 6- right to liberty; article 7- right to be heard and presumption of innocence until proven guilty; article 9: right to receive information and express and disseminate such information with thin the law; article 10- freedom of association; article 11- freedom of assembly; article 12- freedom of movement;

We call the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to urge the government of Malawi to do the following:

Investigate, the murder of 20 innocent civilians who were gunned down in July 2011, by the police for simply exercising their rights of freedom of expression and right to be heard
To probe, the circumstances that led to the murder of Robert Chasowa a university student
To immediately publicise the autopsy report of the 20 innocent lives that were lost on 20 July 2011
Set up a Coroner’s Inquest to establish the facts leading up to the unnecessary loss of life on 20 July, as well as on 24 September 2011 and take the necessary measures to end impunity and hold the perpetrators of human rights violations accountable
Make strong recommendations for justice, peace and reconciliation so that impunity does not go unpunished
To repeal the injunction bill, which impinges on the right to legal remedy as enshrined in the Constitution of Malawi and other regional, continental and international treaties.
Repeal all other laws that infringe on the freedom of expression in Malawi
Commit to transform the Malawi national broadcaster from a state controlled entity into a truly public broadcaster, independent of political interference and serving the interest of the public

Done in Banjul – 16 April, 2012

Statement By: Mrs. Hannah Forster, Executive Director, African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies and Chairperson of the NGO Forum Steering Committee

Posted on October 31, 2011 by admin

Statement By: Mrs. Hannah Forster, Executive Director, African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies and Chairperson of the NGO Forum Steering Committee, on Behalf of Participants of the Forum of NGOS at the Official Opening of the 50th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 24th October, 2011, Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resorts and Spa, The Gambia.

Honourable Attorney General and Secretary of State for Justice and National Assembly Affairs representing the Republic of The Gambia;
My Lord, Chief Justice of The Republic of The Gambia;
My Lord, Justices of the Republic of The Gambia;
Honourable Members of the National Assembly;
Honourable Ministers,
Dr. Salah Hammad, representing H.E. Mrs. Julia Dolly Joiner, Commissioner, Department for Political Affairs of the African Union Commission;
Your Excellencies, Madam Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR);
Representatives of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
My Lord, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda;
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps;
Distinguished Executive Members of the Governing Council of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS);
Distinguished State Representatives;
Venerable Religious and Traditional Leaders;
Representatives of National Human Rights Institutions;
Representatives of National and International NGOs;
Representatives of the Press;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

All protocols respectfully observed

It is with pleasure and with a great sense of humility that I stand before this distinguished gathering of the African human rights community, charged with the responsibility to give a statement on behalf of all my colleagues of the Forum of NGOs in work of the 50^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

On behalf of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS); The NGO Forum Steering Committee; all the participants of the NGO Forum, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to thank the Chairperson and Members of the African Commission for affording us this opportunity, once again.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

The Forum wishes to also express our gratitude to the Government and people of The Gambia for their hospitality, in facilitating the activities of the 50th Ordinary Session and to reiterate the appreciation of the participants of the Forum of NGOs for the warmth afforded them since their arrival. The Forum would also wish to acknowledge the consistency demonstrated in hosting the African Commission sessions.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 50th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, commonly referred to as the NGO Forum was held from the 19-21 October, 2011 a few days before the commencement of this historic Session of the Commission.

Noting that this year is an important one for human rights in Africa, and considering that the Banjul Charter is 30 years old this year, while the Commission is 25 years, the Forum adopted the theme ‘30 years of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights’.

The Forum noted that while Africa has seen significant and positive developments in the human rights and democracy situation on the continent, it is worthy to observe an improvement in the respect for human rights, good governance and the rule of law. In its wake, the African Charter has seen the formulation, adoption, ratification, domestication and implementation of numerous instruments; decisions and mechanisms to match this growing tide. Moreover, we are all here today, witnesses at this momentous golden jubilee session of the African Commission and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Her Excellency, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Mrs. Julia Dolly Joiner; the Chairperson and Members of the African Commission; the Secretary and Members of the Secretariat; all State Parties and indeed the people of Africa for whom this instrument was developed.

The role of the African Union in strengthening the continental framework to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in Africa has spurred the pursuit of human rights which has become an integral responsibility, by ensuring that the Human Rights Strategy for Africa is at the heart of the African Governance Architecture.

The increased involvement of civil society organisations in these processes are exemplary and commendable and have indeed gone a long way to enhance partnerships and promote ownership of the various processes by the African people.

While applauding these developments, the Forum asserted that Africa continues to face serious human rights challenges characterised by conflict, insecurity and violence. Poverty, disease, internal political strife, resulting in the taking up of arms by rebel groups, arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killings continue to bring hardships to the majority of citizens of the affected countries, especially the women and children. The Rwanda genocide remains a constant reminder on the extent to which unrestrained lawlessness and lack of commitment to early warning can lead to unwarranted loss of life, property and above all dignity.

The full report of the Forum together with the adopted resolutions and recommendations will be forwarded, for the kind consideration of your august body, as our contribution to your deliberations at the 50^th Session. Allow me, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, to highlight and share with you some of the concerns and evolving issues raised during the Forum.

Instances of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in varying degrees were cited particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); Egypt; Guinea Conakry; Malawi; Mauritania; Nuba Mountain and Sudan.

The Forum received reports of escalating physical violence and verbal abuse on journalists and human rights defenders; impunity of the armed forces that have committed violations of international human rights law as well as violations of human rights violations as the DRC prepares for elections next month.

The African Commission is urged to call on the authorities, to among other things, guarantee the independence of the institutions charged with the management of the elections at all stages of the process and to encourage the relevant authorities respect their constitutional provisions and international obligations.

It was observed that in Egypt, while the state of emergency is yet to be lifted, trials of civilians before military courts has continued unabated since January 28, 2011, causing much concern. Furthermore, severe infringements on freedom of peaceful assembly, leading to extra-judicial killings and acts of violence against protesters continue to take place.

In Guinea Conakry, the Forum was concerned by the brutal repression and use of force on opposition parties during a protest march against the composition of the National Independent Electoral Commission and the prevailing circumstances surrounding the organisation of legislative elections.

In Malawi, the deteriorating of the rule of law, abuse of executive power, erosion of human rights and academic freedom, among other violations. On July 20, 2011 protesters, mostly civilians, were met with bullets and batons during a peaceful protest march, resulting in the death of a University student, Robert Chasowa. It was also reported that the intimidation and harassment of civic leaders, human rights defenders and academics continues unabated. The Forum urges the abovementioned States to ensure that the perpetrators do not go unpunished.

The Forum recognised and applauded the African Union’s firm stance against undemocratic and unconstitutional change but draws attention to emerging moves referred to as the ‘new forms of coup d’etats’ characterised by constitutional amendments to legalise extended terms of office by incumbents, the latest being witnessed in Senegal, in the wake Uganda, Nigeria, among others. We, therefore, applaud the work done by the African Union and its partners towards the development, adoption, ratification and implementation of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (The African Democracy Charter), a useful tool in the promotion and protection of democracy. We sincerely request the African Commission to urge States that have not ratified to consider doing so and thereby expedite its entry into force.

Consequently, we would request the African Commission to adopt a resolution publicly condemning all violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by all persons in all conflicts in Africa and to work with the African Union in their resolution.

While it was recalled that a good number of African countries will go to the polls within the next 12 months, the Forum called on the African Commission to urge relevant authorities in such countries to ensure the organisation of free and fair elections. The international community is urged to support civil society participation in these forthcoming elections.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

There is no doubt, that the violations in some of these countries already indicate warning signs of deterioration in the system. We further urge the Commission to propose concrete steps to ensure the resolution of these aforementioned conflicts.

Similarly, the human rights situation in countries like Zimbabwe has not ceased to attract the attention of the Forum, particularly in the review of housing as a human rights and more specifically at forced evictions. The need to provide aid and protection to the victims of the forced evictions and demolitions was reemphasised.

The suppression of freedom of the press continues to be the order of the day on our continent with formulation of draconian laws, harassment, intimidation, killings and arbitrary detention.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Although the situation of Human Rights Defenders on the continent continues to be very hazardous, we are heartened by the appointment of a Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders in Africa to facilitate coordination and collaboration in this theme within the African Commission. The Forum wishes to express its satisfaction so far in working with this mechanism and urge the African Commission to provide sufficient resources for the maintenance of this mechanism to ensure greater impact.

The settling situations of refugees returning to Sierra Leone, Angola, and Liberia continue to bring some hope, however, we remain gravely concerned by some involuntary movements of refugees and internally displaced persons especially in countries where there have been long periods of displacement.

It is believed that in such situations, there is need to offer special protection particularly to women and girl children who often find themselves open to abuse as a result of break down in security. The Forum therefore, wishes to request the African Commission to urge States to ratify the Kampala Refugee Convention and thereby strengthened the legal framework dealing with refugees and internally displaced persons in Africa..

Moreover, it has been revealed that the use of torture and the application of the death penalty continue to be practiced in some States. We would wish to call on the African Commission to urge States to prohibit torture and to commit themselves to its abolition as well as condemn the death penalty. The promotion and use of the Robben Island Guidelines was highly recommended to States.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

The Forum continued to review the continuing depletion of Africa’s resources and the deterioration of the environment as a result of the lack of transparency in investments and corporate policy was also a preoccupation and the Forum has developed further strategies to address this theme. The need to revisit agreements between African countries and multi-laterals to ensure a fair and equitable sharing of profits realised from Africa’s resources cannot be emphasised.

The Forum also emphasised the necessity of popularising the various documents emanating particularly from the African Union and the African Commission to ensure that the messages contained therein reach our constituents – the African populace. The importance of human rights education was also underscored in view of the fact that despite that African Charter is 30 years old, many citizens of Africa are still not aware of its existence.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the participants, please allow me to reiterate the readiness of the NGO community to work with these mechanisms in the realization of their mandates. As partners in the process, we are committed to putting all our expertise and resources at the disposal of the African Commission in the realization of the various objectives.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Participants to the Forum of NGOs noted with satisfaction the entering into force of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provided the first step towards the tackling of impunity on our Continent and the consolidation of the Commission’s decisions. We would wish the African Commission to appeal to States, which have not ratified the Protocol, to speedily ratify and therefore enable the inevitable implementation of the Protocol to the Court, especially in relation to signing the Declaration which gives access to individuals and NGOs.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

The entry into force of the Protocol to the African Charter relating to the Rights of Women in Africa indeed marked a major step in the promotion and protection of the rights of women in Africa and a tangible demonstration of successful collaborative work between the AU, the African Commission and human rights NGOs in Africa. We, therefore, wish to congratulate all the 31 countries that have ratified the Protocol but fervently hope that universal ratifications by other states would ensue shortly, in order to provide the much needed momentum to put into action gender equality in our various countries.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

While applauding the gender parity policy adopted by the African Union, which continues to make history and is a clear testimony of its dream for the women of Africa, the Forum urges States to replicate similar policies at the national level in conformity with the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa.

Your Excellencies, Madam Chairperson and Members of the African Commission, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

We cannot conclude this statement without making mention of the wave of impunity that remains very poignant on the continent.

In the true spirit of the African Union’s Constitutive Act in which the Heads of State of Africa professed a ‘common vision of a united and strong Africa, energised by partnership between governments and all segments of civil society’, representatives at this Forum reaffirmed their commitment to the reinforcement of this partnership with the African Union and all its organs, not the least, the African Commission.

In the same vein, participants reiterated their readiness, particularly NGOs with Observer Status, to work in collaboration with the African Commission, and of course, the African Union, in the furtherance of human rights, good governance and the rule of law in Africa. It is heartening to observe the seriousness and commitment of participants in the preparations leading to their participation in this Session. Our passion is to witness much more change in the landscape and we are confident that with the unflinching support of the African Union all should be well.

The Forum, however, expressed concern over the constraints faced by the African Commission in the implementation of its mandate and would like to take this opportunity to launch an appeal to the international community to support the strengthening of this institution.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the participants of the NGO Forum, allow me to wish the Honourable Chairperson and all the Members of the African Commission fruitful deliberations and a successful golden jubilee Session.

Thank You.

HJF

ACDHRS-October 2011

TREC/004/10/2011: Resolution on Prevention and Prohibition of Torture and other Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and Prisons and Conditions of Detention in Africa

Posted on October 31, 2011 by admin

We, the participants to the NGO Forum in the 50^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and 24^th African Human Rights Book Fair held from 19^th – 21^st October, 2011 in Banjul, The Gambia

Concerned about the persistent practice of unlawful arrests and arbitrary and secret detention throughout the continent, enforced disappearances which often result in the use of torture and ill-treatment of people in violation of the African Charter, in particular Articles 4 and 5,

Concerned by the conditions of places of detention, in particular overcrowding, the lack of access to health, to water and food, the absence of separation between women and men, juveniles and adults, the lack of adequate prisons and facilities for prisoners with disability, women and their children in clear violation of Articles 5 and 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (“African Charter”),

Noting that an independent national oversight mechanism to monitor all places of detention and prisons would address some of these issues,

Preoccupied by the lack of prompt access of detainees, especially while in police and prison custody, to lawyers, doctors, health facilities and family members and the insufficient recording of arrested persons kept in police and prison custody and the length of pre-trial detention in violation of Article 7 of the African Charter,

Recalling the obligations of Member States under the African Charter and noting that 43 Member States have ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment (“UN Convention against Torture”),

Concerned about the lack of the express criminalization of torture in the domestic law of the majority of Member States despite their obligation to do so, often preventing victims of torture and ill treatment to access justice,

Noting that the absence of criminalization of these offences must not prevent the adequate investigation and prosecution thereof,

Aware of the continued impunity of alleged perpetrators of acts of torture and ill treatment and enforced disappearances, often due to, inter alia, a lack of political will to investigate and prosecute, the lack of an independent judiciary, corruption, the absence of a relevant legal framework and practical facilities to carry out investigations and/or the fear of victims of reprisals and intimidation when attempting to seek justice,

Conscious of the risks of victims of these crimes in filing complaints on a national and regional level and the important role of the African Commission in this respect,

Recalling the opportunities provided under the African Charter and the Robben Island Guidelines to address violations of the African Charter, in particular Articles 1, 4,5,6 and 7,

Recalling in particular that the African Commission has a crucial role to play on the Continent to protect and promote the rights enshrined in these Articles in particular through its Communication procedure, developing jurisprudence on pertinent human rights issues and its two special mechanisms, i.e. the Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Centres of Detention and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa (CPTA),

We therefore call on the African Commission:
To adopt a resolution at its 50th session calling on Member States to:

Comply with their obligations under the African Charter, the UN Convention against Torture and the Convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearances, in particular through the criminalization of these offences in their national legislation in accordance with international law standards;

Provide victims with the right to a remedy and full reparation, including rehabilitation, restitution, compensation, just satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition;
Carry out training of key stakeholders, bearing in mind international law standards and in particular the Istanbul Protocol on the investigation and documentation of torture and other ill treatment;

Done in Banjul – 21^st October, 2011

TRES/003/10/2011: Resolution to end all forms of Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Africa.

Posted on October 31, 2011 by admin

Recalling “the inherent dignity of and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family” and that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and that all human rights are universal, interdependent, indivisible, and interrelated;

Affirming that “human beings of all sexual orientation and gender identity are entitled to the full enjoyment of all human rights” as established in the Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity and as recently highlighted by the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki Moon;

Further recallingArticle 2 and 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Declaration on the Rights and Responsibilities of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Declaration on Human Rights Defenders), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Resolution ACHPR69[XXXV]04 on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in Africa;

Noting the failure by states to ensure the enjoyment of the right to the highest attainable standard of health by everyone irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity, which has impacted to the scourge of HIV in communities of men who have sex with men (MSM) and women who have sex with women (WSW) despite the proven impact of the pandemic in these communities and the population at large;

Notwithstanding that human rights protection for all women are guaranteed in various international instruments including the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security which deals with the impact of conflict situations on women and girls especially as victims of sexual violence, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Resolution on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Women and Girls Victims of Sexual Violence, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, Article 18 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article 5 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, states continue to fail in their obligation to protect the rights of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women;

Noting that Article 60 of the African Charter requires the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to draw inspiration from the content of other international treaties and laws, and further noting that articles 2(1) and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which all African states are party, as well article 2 of the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) establish the principle of non discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, as elaborated respectively by the United Nations Human Rights Committee and the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and that U.N. treaty bodies and Special Procedures, including the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on torture and other inhuman, degrading and cruel punishments and treatments, the UN Committee on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights, and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, have consistently held that all U.N. treaties include protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity;

Further noting the continuing and increasing human rights violations against individuals and communities on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity, which include arbitrary arrests, detentions, extra-judicial killings and executions, forced disappearances, extortion and blackmail, hate speech, violent attacks, including rape and other sexual assault, physical assaults, torture and murder, as well as the failure of protecting the rights to safety and security of the person, freedom of movement and association, freedom of expression;

Recognizing that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people are not a homogenous group and that certain identities including race, ethnic and social origin, sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as legal, economic, social and cultural situations disproportionately impact on their experiences and access to the full enjoyment of all rights and freedoms;

Particularly alarmed for the situation of hatred against individuals on grounds of their perceived or real sexual orientation and gender identity by state and non-state actors across the continent, that recently resulted in the murder of Ugandan human rights defender David Kato; the rape and murder of lesbian activists in South Africa; the ongoing attacks against the LGBTI community in Cameroon; the homophobic campaign launched by media, and endorsed by religious and political leaders in Ghana; as well as for the attempt to reintroduce legislation allegedly criminalizing same-gender marriage in Nigeria, and the recent criminalization of same sex conduct between women approved by the Parliament of Malawi.

Call for urgent and sustained action by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure the realization of the full range of human rights for all people living on the African continent, in particular people whose sexual orientation and gender identity render them more vulnerable.

And further calls on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to adopt a resolution to:

Acknowledge and condemn the continuing and increasing incidence of human rights violations, including murder, rape, assault, persecution and imprisonment based on perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity on the continent as a problem requiring urgent action;

Condemn discrimination and exclusion of individuals and communities from the enjoyment of rights and the full realization of their potential because of their sexual orientation and gender identity;

Specifically condemn the situation of hatred and systematic attacks by state and non-state actors against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals with particular focus on the attacks against human rights defenders who are operating for the protection of LGBTI human rights in Uganda and South Africa, on the legislative measure under consideration in Nigeria and Malawi, on the ongoing arrests in Cameroun, on the homophobic campaign by media, religious and political leaders in Ghana;

Mandate the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women and the Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Expression to coordinate a Special Committee to investigate, document and report on these violations in order to develop appropriate responses and interventions;

Create a mechanism to address human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity;

Ensure that states put in place mechanisms for access to HIV prevention treatment and care services for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Strongly urge states to:

Comply with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other binding international treaties, by repealing laws which criminalise non-heteronormative sexualities and gender identities, such as laws criminalizing sexual conducts between consenting adults of the same sex, or laws banning cross-dressing, and by amending other laws that are implemented with the purpose of persecuting individuals and communities based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, such as laws against indecency, impersonation, and debauchery, among others.

End impunity for acts of violation and abuse, whether committed by state or non-state actors, by enacting appropriate laws prohibiting discrimination and punishing hate crimes, ensuring proper investigation, arrests and punishment of the perpetrators, and establishing judicial procedures favorable to the victims.

Protect the right of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, to freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression, and freedom to participate in civil society and key decision-making organs of government.

Done in Banjul – 21^st October, 2011

TRES/001/10/2011: Résolution sur la situation des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme en Afrique

Posted on October 31, 2011 by admin

Le Forum de participation des ONG réuni à Banjul (Gambie) du 19 au 21 octobre 2011 à l’occasion de la 50ème session ordinaire de la Commission africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples (CADHP)

Profondément préoccupépar l’environnement dans lequel opèrent les défenseurs des droits de l’Homme en Afrique, caractérisé dans de nombreux pays par la persistance d’arrestations et de détentions arbitraires, d’actes de harcèlement, y compris judiciaire, de menaces et autres formes d’intimidation, d’exécutions sommaires et extrajudiciaires ou encore d’actes de torture ;

Préoccupé en particulier par la multiplication des entraves, y compris des actes de répression violente, à l’encontre des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme militant en faveur du respect des institutions et principes démocratiques, en particulier dans le cadre de processus électoraux comme au Sénégal, au Burundi, au Malawi, au Swaziland, en Angola, en Egypte,ou encore au Gabon ;

Préoccupé par les actes de violence et de représailles dont sont régulièrement victimes les défenseurs des droits de l’Homme opérant dans des pays en situation de conflit ou post-conflictuelle, comme c’est le cas encore aujourd’hui au Soudan, en Somalie ou en République démocratique du Congo ;

Préoccupé par la recrudescence de tentatives de museler les défenseurs des droits de l’Homme par des voies législatives ou judiciaires visant à restreindre ou criminaliser leur action, en particulier au Zimbabwe, en Gambie, en Éthiopie ou en Algérie;

Préoccupépar la persistance des menaces, actes de harcèlements et autres formes d’intimidation à l’encontre des défenseurs des droits des lesbiennes, gays, bisexuels et transgenres (LGBT) notamment en Ouganda, au Cameroun ou au Nigeria ;

Préoccupé par la multiplication des entraves à l’action des femmes défenseures, caractérisée par des arrestations et détentions arbitraires, menaces, actes de harcèlement et autres formes d’intimidation ; notamment les tests de virginité pratiqués en Egypte ;

Préoccupé par l’impunité dont continuent de jouir les responsables d’exactions à l’encontre des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme, en République démocratique du Congo, au Burundi, en Gambie, en Ouganda, et au Kenya, où la lumière n’a toujours pas été faite sur les assassinats de défenseurs répertoriés dans ces pays ;

Mettre un terme aux entraves, y compris législatives, ainsi qu’à toute forme de répression à l’encontre des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme, conformément aux dispositions de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples et de la Déclaration des Nations unies sur les défenseurs des droits de l’Homme ;
Mettre un terme en particulier aux arrestations et détentions arbitraires, aux convocations judiciaires répétées et autres formes d’actes d’intimidation à l’encontre des défenseurs ;

Prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour garantir l’intégrité physique et psychologique des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme;

Prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour mener des enquêtes indépendantes sur les cas de violations des droits des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme, poursuivre et juger les responsables ;

Libérer les défenseurs des droits de l’Homme arbitrairement détenus et mettre un terme au harcèlement judiciaire à leur encontre.

Fait à Banjul, Gambie le 21 octobre, 2011

CRES/007/10/2011: Resolution on the Situation in Darfur

Posted on October 31, 2011 by admin

We, the participants in the NGO Forum in the 50^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and 24^th African Human Rights Book Fair held from 19^th – 21^st October, 2011 in Banjul, The Gambia

Considering the provisions of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Charter of the United Nations Organisation as well as those of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other regional and international human rights instruments to which the Sudan is a state party and that as a state party the Sudan is legally bound to fully and effectively implement the provisions of these instruments and respect and promote the human rights and fundamental freedoms set therein without discrimination on any ground;

Welcoming regional and international efforts to combat impunity, to uphold fundamental justice to the victims and to maintain durable peace in Darfur including the decision of the International Criminal Court to hold accountable individuals accused of planning, executing, condoning or encouraging the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur;

Highly appreciating efforts of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to address the situation in Darfur including its October-November 2009 visit to Sudan and recalling in this regard previous resolutions on Darfur adopted by the African Commission since its 35^thOrdinary Session held in Banjul during the period 21^st May – 4^th June 2004;

Deeply concerned at the continuing grave violations of human rights and humanitarian law in Darfur despite numerous regional and international attempts to put an end to the armed conflict in that region through negotiated political settlement, most recently by the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur;

WE call on the African Commission to demand that the government of Sudan complies with its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the AU Constitutive Act, the UN Charter and all other regional and international human rights treaties to which Sudan is a state party, and in particular comply with the following:

Stop, with immediate effect, all military activities and attacks against civilians in Darfur and end the grave violations of human and peoples’ rights in particular the forced de-population of entire areas in the region, and to cease all support, including the protection of and provision of weapon and other military supplies to the Janjaweed militiamen.

Allow immediate and unconditional return of international relief organisations to Darfur and provide the necessary support to all relief agencies and organisations in order to ensure immediate, full, safe and unhindered access to the war-affected population in Darfur and facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in need thereof.

Fully and unconditionally cooperate with the International Criminal Court in its efforts to bring to justice all persons suspected of perpetrating war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide in Darfur and arrest and hand over such individuals.

We further call upon the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to:

Examine the report of the AU High-Level Panel on Darfur of 29 October 2009 and persuade the AU member states to follow-up scrupulously the implementation of the recommendations contained on that report especially those recommendations which have direct implication on the enjoyment of human and peoples’ rights in Darfur.

Urge all state members of the AU and the UN to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court by arresting and handing over all persons suspected of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur.

Done in Banjul – 21^st October, 2011

CREC/005/10/2011: Résolution sur les pratiques discriminatoires en Mauritanie

Posted on October 31, 2011 by admin

Considérant l’actuel recensement de la population débuté en mai 2011 avec pour objectif de mettre en place un système biométrique d’identification des citoyens;

Préoccupé par les informations faisant état de pratiques discriminatoires exercées par les agents recenseurs à l’encontre des populations négro-mauritaniennes ; notamment des questions supplémentaires qui leur sont posées ayant trait à la religion, à la politique ou à leur généalogie, dans le but de contester leur nationalité mauritanienne;

Considérant la multiplication des manifestations protestant contre ces pratiques discriminatoires;

Considérant l’interdiction souvent arbitraire de ces manifestations et la représsion brutale et disproportionnée par les forces de l’ordre contre les manifestants, en toute impunité;

Préoccupé par les arrestations arbitraires de manifestants et les sévères condamnations pour « manifestation non autorisée »;

Rappelant la décision du 11 mai 2000 de la Commission africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples faisant état de violations massives des droits de l’Homme et de discriminations perpétrées par les autorités Mauritanienne contre les populations négro-mauritaniennes.

Les autorités mauritaniennes à

- Respecter strictement les dispositions de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples et notamment son article 2 sur la non discrimination;

- Prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour que cessent immédiatement toutes les pratiques discriminatoires, notamment à l’occasion du recensement;

- Respecter les dispositions de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples relatives à la liberté d’expression et de réunion;

- Prendre les mesures nécessaires pour que les éléments des forces de l’ordre auteur de violations des droits de l’Homme soient poursuivis et jugés conformément aux dispositions de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples.

Fait à Banjul, Gambie le 21 octobre, 2011

CRES/003/10/2011: Résolution sur la situation des droits de l’Homme en République de Guinée

Posted on October 31, 2011 by admin

Réaffirmant l’importance du scrutin présidentiel qui s’est tenu en 2010 et qui doit jeter les bases d’un État respectueux des principes démocratiques et des droits humains ;

Préoccupé par la répression brutale et disproportionnée par les forces de l’ordre de la manifestation du 27 septembre 2011 organisée par des partis d’opposition pour contester les conditions d’organisation des élections législatives et notamment la composition de la Commission électorale nationale et indépendante ;

Préoccupé par les arrestations et détentions arbitraires des manifestants et les lourdes condamnations de ces derniers, allant jusqu’à un an de prison ferme ;

Préoccupé par l’impunité des forces de l’ordre responsables de violations des droits humains ;

Rappelant l’importance de la lutte contre l’impunité des auteurs des violations des droits de l’Homme, notamment concernant les exécutions sommaires perpétrées en 2007 et le massacre du 28 septembre 2009 au stade de Conakry y compris les crimes sexuels ;

Préoccupé par l’instrumentalisation par les partis de l’identité communautaire à des fins politiques;

Rappelant la nécessité d’engager un véritable processus de réconciliation pour sortir des heures sombres du passé et avancer vers une société unie et apaisée ;

Les autorités guinéennes à

- Respecter strictement les dispositions de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples, plus particulièrement ses article 2, 6, 7, 9 et 11;

- Ratifier la Charte africaine de la démocratie, des élections et de la gouvernance et le Protocole à la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples portant création de la Cour africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples en faisant la déclaration à son article 34.6 permettant la saisine directe de la Cour par les ONG et les individus ;

- Adopter le projet de loi d’adaptation en droit interne des dispositions du Statut de Rome afin de permettre le jugement des auteurs des graves violations des droits de l’Homme ;

- Déposer auprès de l’Union africaine les instruments de ratification du protocole à la Charte africaine sur les droits des femmes en Afrique;

- Veiller à ce que les éléments des forces de l’ordre responsables de violations des droits de l’Homme soient poursuivis et jugés conformément aux dispositions de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples ;

- Prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour que les plaintes et procédures ouvertes contre les auteurs des graves violations des droits de l’Homme perpétrées en 2007 et 2009 puissent prospérer en toute indépendance ;

- Renforcer le dialogue avec les acteurs politiques afin de garantir la paix sociale et la tenue dans les meilleurs délais et les meilleures conditions des élections législatives et d’en garantir le caractère libre et transparent ;

- Veillez à s’abstenir de toute déclaration à caractère discriminatoire notamment sur la base d’appartenance à une des communautés nationales ;
- Engager un véritable processus de vérité et réconciliation qui répond aux attentes de la population et selon les préconisations des organisations de la société civile.

Fait à Banjul, Gambie le 21 octobre, 2011

CRES/001/10/2011: Résolution sur les prochaines élections en République démocratique du Congo

Posted on October 31, 2011 by admin

Considérant la tenue le 28 novembre 2011 de l’élection présidentielle en RDC et des fortes tensions qui entourent le processus électoral et soucieux de l’exercice d’un processus électoral transparent, crédible et apaisé, conforme aux dispositions de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples;

Condamnant la répression brutale et répétée par les forces de l’ordre de manifestations pacifiques organisées par des partis politiques d’opposition appelant à la transparence du processus électoral;

Préoccupé par l’impunité des forces de l’ordre ayant agi de manière disproportionnée en violation du droit international des droits de l’Homme;

Préoccupé par le refus de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante de procéder à un audit du fichier électoral pourtant source de contestation des partis d’opposition;

Préoccupé par les accusations respectives faisant état d’armement de milices par le parti présidentiel et les partis d’opposition;

Préoccupé par la campagne électorale précoce de certains partis commencée antérieurement à l’ouverture officielle le 28 octobre;

Préoccupé par la multiplication des violences physiques ou verbales contre les journalistes et inquiet dans ce contexte pour la sécurité des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme qui analysent la régularité du processus électoral ;

Préoccupé par les appels au séparatisme, à la violence et à la xénophobie lancés par certains hauts dirigeants politiques ;

Les autorités de la RDC à

- Ratifier la Charte africaine sur la démocratie, les élections et la gouvernance et se conformer à leurs obligations aux termes de la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples, de la déclaration de l’UA sur les principes régissant les élections démocratiques en Afrique et les autres lignes directrices régionales et nationales en matière d’élections;

- Garantir l’indépendance de l’organisme chargé de la gestion des élections avant, pendant et après la tenue de toute élection;
- Prendre les mesures nécessaires pour que les éléments des forces de l’ordre auteur de violations des droits de l’Homme soient poursuivis et jugés conformément aux dispositions de la Charte africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples;
- Respecter l’état de droit et l’indépendance des institutions telles que les tribunaux qui sont essentielles à la réalisation d’élections libres et équitables en Afrique;

- Faire en sorte que les partis et les candidats qui participent aux élections

aient un accès équitable aux médias d’Etat, pendant les élections;

- Garantir l’intégrité physique et psychologique des journalistes et défenseurs des droits de l’Homme.
- Prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires,y compris judiciaires, pouyr mettre un terme aux appels au séparatisme, à la violence et à la xénophobie.

Les partis politiques et tous les candidats à

- Respecter les lois et règlements électoraux y compris le processus légal de contestation des résultats de toute élection ;
- Mettre l’intérêt général du peuple, de l’électorat, au centre du processus électoral.

Fait à Banjul, Gambie le 21 octobre, 2011

Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Burundi

Posted on April 25, 2011 by admin

The Forum for the Participation of NGOs at the 49^th African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Session, meeting in Banjul (The Gambia), from 25 to 27 April 2011,

Condemning the assassination on the night of 8 to 9 April 2009 of Ernest Manirumva, former vice-president of the Observatory for the Fight against Corruption and Economic Embezzlement (OLUCOME) and deploring that due to delays in judicial proceedings, more than two years later, the exact circumstances of the murder are yet to be revealed;

Condemning the multiple acts of intimidation and other forms of pressure from the authorities in Burundi against representatives of civil society calling for full light to be shed on the exact circumstances of the murder of Ernest Manirumva especially the repeated acts of intimidation against Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, president of the Association for the Protection of Human Rights and Detained Persons (APRODH), Pacifique Nininahazwe, managing director of Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society (FORSC), Gabriel Rufyiri, president of OLUCOME, and his family and Irambona Claver, a member of OLUCOME;

Deploring the violent dispersal, on April 8 2011, of a peaceful march held in remembrance of Ernest Manirumva’s assassination held in Bujumbura by several NGOs and the subsequent arrest by the police, of Gabriel Rufyiri and Irambona Claver;

Strongly condemning the indictment issued on April 13 2011, by the Deputy Prosecutor of Bujumbura, seeking the life sentence against journalist Jean-Claude Kavumbagu, editor of the online newspaper NetPress, imprisoned since 17 July 2010 for publishing an article questioning the ability of the Burundian security forces to prevent an attack on Somali Islamist group Al Shabab;

Recalling that several other journalists in Burundi, including Elyse Ngabire and Dieudonné Hakizimana of the newspaper Iwacu and Thierry Ndayishimiye of the newspaper Arc-en-ciel have been arrested and temporarily detained for their journalistic activities;

Regretting the expulsion in June 2010 of the representative of Human Rights Watch, in response to the publication of a report on the pre-election political violence;

Recalling the resolutions ACHPR/Res.69 (XXXV) 04, ACHPR (XXXXI) 06 and ACHPR/Res.119 (XXXXII) 07 on protection and human rights defenders of human rights in Africa;

The Forum for the Participation of NGOs at the 49^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights request the ACHPR to consider adopting at this 49th Session a resolution:

Condemning acts of threats and harassment currently targeting human rights defenders in defiance of the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;

Calling on the Judiciary in Burundi to determine, as soon as possible, the truth about the exact circumstances of the murder of Ernest Manirumva and try those suspected of involvement in his murder;

Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Jean-Claude Kavumbagu;

Urging the Burundian authorities to carry out transparent and independent investigations into all cases of violations against human rights defenders, and bring offenders to trial before independent courts;

Deciding to send, in accordance with its mandate, a mission to promote human rights in Burundi, in order to meet the authorities, political parties of the opposition, civil society organizations and representatives of the international community and address the concerns and recommendations contained in this resolution.