Tag Archives: Protection of Civilians

TRES/009/10/2011: Resolution on Policing and Human Rights

Posted on by

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

Being aware that a police that uphold the principles of Rule of Law is essential in the maintenance and enforcement of law and order and the promotion of citizen safety in a manner compliant with the rights enshrined in the African Charter in articles 1 ,5 and 6;

Concerned that the recent past has witnessed numerous examples, across the continent, of a police that disregard the rule of law and act outside of agreed standards of human rights and Codes of Conduct. This includes failure to protect citizens, harassment, inappropriate use of force by the police, lack of accountability, extrajudicial killing and summary executions, arbitrary and illegal arrest and torture and inappropriate police responses to the public order and policing of assemblies;

Recognising that policing in Africa is often characterised by the post conflict history of the Continent is often impeded by limited budgets, lack of training, poor equipment, poor working conditions, disregard of police officers human rights, corruption, poor strategic planning in criminal justice and antiquated laws;

Recognising the growing demands placed on police by national and transnational crime threats and migration will place increasing pressure on policing and that meaningful dialogue between civil society and the police can generate important knowledge exchanges;

Noting the outcome of recent continental and international discussions on security sector reform that there is a need to use regional and continental mechanisms to encourage and support countries to undertake sustainable security sector reform;

Acknowledging the important work being done at the SADC, ECOWAS and EAC to promote human rights and policing through mechanism like Codes of Conduct and Common Standards of Policing.

Acknowledging human rights is a critical facet of security sector reform and that the ACHPR as an independent continental organisation is in a unique position to champion an African dialogue on policing and human rights;

Recognising, the need for relevant actors such as states, regional and continental mechanisms like the ACHPR, National Human Rights Intuitions national police agencies and civil society to work closely together to promote policing compliant with human rights standards.

We urge the African Commission to:

  • Establish a focal point responsible for policing and human rights within the African Commission and ensure policing is a specific and consistent theme of State reports and country visits. Such a focal point will include representation from the police, the state and civil society.
  • Support the facilitation of regional conferences on policing and human rights to build towards a continental conference on Policing and Human Rights.

Done in Banjul – 21st October, 2011

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

Posted on by

We, the participants in the NGO Forum in the 50th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and 24th African Human Rights Book Fair held from 19th – 21st 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 35th Ordinary Session held in Banjul during the period 21st May – 4th 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 – 21st October, 2011

 

 

CRES/006/10/2011: Resolution on the Situation of human rights in the Nuba Mountains (South Kordofan State and the Blue Nile State)

Posted on by

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

 

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;

 

Deeply concerned at the outbreak of internal war and violence in the Nuba Mountains in Southern Kordofan State as well as in the Blue Nile State;

 

Outraged with the continuing reports of grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in these two regions including indiscriminate aerial bombardment of civilian targets, destruction of habitat and purposeful displacement of civilian populations, extrajudicial killing and enforced disappearance of members of the indigenous tribes of these regions;

Abhorring the decision of the government of Sudan to prevent international relief organisations and humanitarian workers access to the war-affected populations thus putting the lives of a growing number of civilians in these two areas, especially women and children, at high risk;

 

We hereby call on the African Commission to:

 

  • To immediately send a fact finding mission to the Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan State and to the Blue Nile State and report its findings without delay to the concerned regional institutions.

 

  • Take any additional measures to ensure 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:

 

  • Demand that Sudan ceases, with immediate effect, all military activities and attacks against civilians in the Nuba Mountains and in the Blue Nile State and to end the grave violations of human and peoples’ rights in particular the forced displacement of civilians.

 

  • Allow international relief organisations immediate and unconditional access to the Nuba Mountains and to the Blue Nile State in order to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance to the needy civilians in these areas.

Done in Banjul – 21st October, 2011

 

CREC/004/10/2011: Resolution on governance, democracy and respect for the rule of law in Malawi

Posted on by

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

 

Asserting the African Charter for Human and Peoples’ Rights (adopted 27 June 1981), which has reached its 30th year, and 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;

 

The Forum on the participation of NGOs urges the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to adopt a resolution:

 

Alarmed by the rapid deterioration of rule of law, rapid erosion of human rights and academic freedom, abuse of executive power in Malawi as evidenced by recent events, which indicates that the country is fast sliding towards undemocratic rule, where impunity and terror are now firmly entrenched;

 

Shock at the reversal of democratic gains made by Malawi post the Banda era;

 

Appraised, of the tragedy that befell 20 innocent civilians who were gunned down by the police for simply exercising their rights of freedom of expression and right to be heard; [faced with economic decline largely due to poor government policies, Malawians embarked on a peaceful protest to demand that shortage of fuel, rising prices of basic commodities and erratic electricity supply be addressed by government. The protesters, made up of ordinary civilians were met with batons and bullets].

 

Fully cognisant of that 20 July 2011 is day that shall live in infamy;

 

Saddened by the murder of Robert Chasowa a university student; while

 

Extending deepest sympathies to the family members of those who lost loved ones in the 20 July killings and to the family of Robert Chasowa;

 

We call upon the African Union to urge the Government of Malawi to:

 

  • Make a pronouncement and act upon such a pronouncement, to immediately publicise the autopsy report of the 20 innocent lives that were lost on 20 July 2011

  • If there is no autopsy report, commence immediate process of exhumation of bodies

  • Appoint an independent pathologist, one that meets the satisfaction of an appropriate oversight committee in parliament

  • Set up a Coroner’s Inquest to establish the facts leading up to the unnecessary loss of life on 20 July, as well as the murder of Robert Chasowa in 24 September 2011

  • Make strong recommendations for justice, peace and reconciliation so that impunity does not go unpunished

  • Hold the Inquest in an open court where witnesses are encouraged to come forward and testify and are guaranteed protection

  • Desists from intimidating and harassing civic leaders, human rights defenders and academics.

  • Re-open the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College immediately and guarantee academic freedom to both lecturers and students

  • Reinstate the lecturers who are currently suspended, because it is clear that they are being victimised for their pursuit of justice as clearly stipulated in the Malawian Constitution [section 44(1) and 45(3)].

  • 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.

  • Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defender’s undertake a promotional mission to Malawi to investigate human rights abuses and threats to human rights defenders in that country.

 

Done in Banjul – 21st October, 2011

 

CRES/002/10/2011: Resolution on the Escalation of Human Rights Abuses and obstacles to peaceful transition in Egypt

Posted on by

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

Considering that since it took over from the police on January 28, 2011, Egypt’s military has arrested almost 12,000 civilians and brought them before military tribunals ;

Noting according to the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) said that between January 28 and August 29, military tribunals tried 11,879 civilians. The tribunals convicted 8,071, including 1,836 suspended sentences; a further 1,225 convictions are awaiting ratification by the military ;

Considering that we strongly oppose any trials of civilians before military courts, where the proceedings do not protect basic due process rights and do not satisfy the requirements of independence and impartiality of courts of law. Defendants in Egyptian military courts usually do not have access to counsel of their own choosing and judges do not respect the rights of defense. Judges in the military justice system are military officers subject to a chain of command and therefore do not enjoy the independence to ignore instructions by superiors.

Extremely Concerned at the situation of blogger Maikel Nabil, currently on his 60th day of hunger strike, who is serving a three-year prison sentence for “insulting the military establishment” and “spreading false information” – in fact, for peaceful expression of his views on his blog and on Facebook- Maikel boycotted his appeal trial before the military court on October 18th; the court-appointed lawyer appealed to the judge that Maikel Nabil was mentally unstable and the court ordered his transfer to a psychiatric hospital.

Concerned at the severe infringements on freedom of peaceful assembly which reached a climax on October 9, 2011, when the military police and central security forces allegedly committed unprecedented extra-judicial killings and acts of violence against protesters demanding rights for Coptic citizens, resulting in at least 25 deaths and 300 injuries;

Willing to support a peaceful democratic transition in Egypt and and recalling that from February 12th, 2011, the SCAF declared that Egypt would abide by its international obligations under the treaties it had signed, including the African Chater on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which obligates states to protect and ensure the right to fair trial and freedom of expression.

The NGO Forum requests the African Commission to adopt a resolution :

Calling the Egyptian Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to :

  • immediately lift the state of emergency;
  • to open thorough, independent and impartial investigations into the alleged perpetration of serious human rights violations involving the Egyptian military on October 9, 2011 ;
  • to ensure that those responsible for these crimes will be prosecuted and brought to justice;
  • immediately put an end to the trial of civilians before military courts and ensure the right to a fair trial ;
  • order the retrial of Mikail Nabil before an ordinary court or release him immeditately.

Done in Banjul – 21st October, 2011

 

Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in Djibouti

Posted on by

NGO Forum of participation meeting in Banjul (Gambia), from 25 to 27 April 2011 at the occasion of the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

Considering the result of the presidential elections held in April 8 2011, vitiated by the failure of the participation of opposition parties and this steadily since 2003;

Condemning violations of human rights repeatedly against civilians, members of opposition parties, independent trade unionists, journalists and human rights defenders by the Djiboutian authorities, including acts of torture, of degrading and inhuman treatment, as well as arrests and arbitrary detentions, and judicial harassment;

Condemning the violent repression by the Djiboutian authorities of peaceful demonstrations that took place in February and March 2011 that have caused several deaths by gunfire, dozens injured, during which dozens of demonstrators were arrested;

Deeply concerned about the repeated arrests of members and leaders of opposition parties and human rights defenders, including Mr. Jean-Paul Noel Abdi, President of the League Djiboutian Human Rights (LDDH) and harassment judiciary against him, and the continued detention of Farah Abadid Heldid, LDDH member  as well as 71 political prisoners;

Considering the OAU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa AHG/Decl.1 (XXXVIII) and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance signed by the Republic of Djibouti in June 15, 2007;

Recalling the Resolution on elections in Africa adopted at the 44th and 47th sessions of the ACHPR in which the Commission is “deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation of human rights in some African countries before, during and after election periods” and calls on states to “ensure protection before, during and after the elections, journalists, human rights observers and supervisors of election intimidation and other abuses of human rights“;

Noting the joint declaration of international missions observing presidential election of April 8 2011 in  the Republic of Djibouti;

Recalling the resolution – ACHPR/Res.61 (XXXII) 02 (2002) -  adopted in October 2002 by the Commission  establishing Guidelines and Measures for prohibition and prevention Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Africa (Guidelines Robben Island);

Considering articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 of the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights;

The NGO Forum of participation meeting in Banjul (Gambia) from 25 to 27 April 2011 on the occasion of the 49th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR asks the Commission to adopt a resolution:

Condemning the violations of human rights perpetrated in Djibouti against civilian populations;

Calling on the authorities of Djibouti to:

1.      Fully respect the right to life and physical and moral integrity, freedom of expression and opinion, and freedom to choose their political representatives in accordance with the provisions of the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights;

2.      Release all prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders, Farah Abadid Heldid, or if necessary, to prosecute them on fair trial and in a timely manner;

3.      Ratify the African Charter on Democracy, elections and good governance, ensuring the holding of multiparty, free, democratic and transparent elections in the future.

 

Done in Banjul, April 27th, 2011

Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in Republic Democratic of Congo

Posted on by

The Forum of Participation of NGOs, meeting on 10-12 November 2007, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo,

Considering the ongoing violent armed conflict in North-Kivu between the Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo and the rebel forces of the former General, Laurent Nkunda, since December 2006, as well as the attacks by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and by the Mayi Mayi militia against the rebels led by Nkunda;

Considering the blatant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict against the civilian population, including murders, rapes and other forms of sexual violence and pillaging;

Considering also the alarming situation in other regions of the country, including South-Kivu, North Katanga and Ituri, faced with continuing grave human rights violations;

Considering that crimes of sexual violence are perpetrated in a massive and systematic manner;

Considering the reigning impunity for perpetrators of such crimes from all parties to the conflict;

Considering that as a result of the conflict 350,000 Congolese civilians have been forcibly displaced since the beginning of 2007;

Considering that the civilian population is facing a humanitarian catastrophe;

The NGO Forum requests the ACHPR to adopt a resolution calling on:

The Congolese Authorities:

1. To take all necessary measures to ensure that the perpetrators of the most serious crimes are prosecuted, in accordance with international human rights law and international criminal law;
2. To ensure the effective implementation of Law N° 06/018 of 20 July 2006 on rape and other forms of sexual violence, modifying and supplementing the Decree of 30 January 1940 establishing the Criminal Code;
3. To cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court;
4. To end the use of child soldiers within the Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo, and to prosecute the perpetrators of this crime;
5. To continue and strengthen efforts to create a unified national army respectful of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and Rebel Forces led by Laurent Nkunda:

1. To stop immediately attacks on civilians;
2. To stop immediately the use of child soldiers;
3. To disarm and to join the national army.

The Neighbouring States:

1. To cease all support to rebel movements.

The UN Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo:

1. To strengthen civilian and military means to ensure the full protection of vulnerable civilians.

The International Criminal Court:

1. To prosecute the perpetrators of the most serious crimes, including sexual crimes, committed in DRC since July 2002, notably in Kivu.

The International Community:

1. To support the fight against impunity of the most serious crimes committed in DRC, notably by creating mix tribunal.

 

Done in Brazzaville, November 12th, 2007

Resolution on Darfur

Posted on by

The NGO Forum meeting on November 10-12 2007, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo,

Taking into account the ongoing peace negotiations on Darfur;

Concerned by the limited participation of rebel groups in the recent peace negotiations and by the fact that a number of representatives of the civil society have been prevented from taking part in the peace negotiations;

Deeply concerned by the grave human rights and humanitarian violations perpetrated in Darfur, the renewed violence and the attacks carried out by both Government forces and the rebels which have caused further loss of life and displacement of civilian population;

Gravely concerned by the recent deadly attacks against the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and physical and sexual attacks against humanitarian aid workers;

Concerned by the lack of accountability for the grave crimes committed in Darfur and Sudan’s decision to appoint, as the chairperson of a committee to investigate human right violations in Darfur, a suspected war criminals for whom an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC);

Concerned by the the destabilizing effect of the Darfur conflict in the neighbouring region, namely Eastern Chad and North East of the Central African Republic;

The NGO Forum requests the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to adopt a Resolution:

1. Demanding the Government of Sudan to immediately cease attacks against the civilian population;

2. Demanding all parties to the conflict to immediately cease all attacks on humanitarian aid workers;

3. Requesting all parties to the conflict to commit to and respect an effective ceasefire and join the current peace negotiations;

4. Recommending the participation in the peace negotiations of the different sections of civil society including, IDPs, refugees and community representatives;

5. Recommending all Member States and the Government of Sudan to support the mandate and implement the recommendations of existing human rights mechanisms notably the UN Group of Experts on Darfur;

6. Recommending the international community to fully support the immediate deployment of the United Nations hybrid force and the multidimensional protection force in the North East of the Central African Republic and in Eastern Chad;

7. Requesting peace mediators to bring pressure to bear on the parties to the negotiations to include the fight against impunity and cooperation with the International Criminal Court in the Peace Agreement;

8. Demanding the Sudan Government to immediately transfer the suspected war criminals for whom arrest warrants were issued by the International Criminal Court.

 

Done in Brazzaville, November 12th, 2007

Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in Central African Republic

Posted on by

The Forum of Participation of NGOs, meeting on 10-12 November 2007, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo,

Considering the armed conflict raging in North-West CAR since 2006, between the Central African Army and rebel groups, in particular in the regions of Ouham and Ouham Pende;

Considering the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated by parties to the conflict, in particular by governmental forces, against the civilian population, including summary executions, rape and other forms of sexual violence, systematic looting, and burning of villages.

Noting the precarious humanitarian situation of the civilian population, an estimated 212,000 individuals having been forcibly displaced as a result of fighting, and more than 70,000 persons having been forced to take refuge in neighbouring Chad and Cameroon;

Considering the threats and harassment suffered by human rights defenders who condemn this situation;

Noting that the majority of the actors in the current conflict are those suspected to have been responsible for the most serious crimes committed against the civilian populations during the attempted coup led by Bozize in 2002 and the subsequent coup d’Etat in March 2003, a blatant demonstration of the grave consequences of impunity.

Considering that the Court of Cassation of CAR decided on April 11, 2006 that the national justice system was « unable » to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of the most serious crimes committed in 2002 and 2003 in CAR and called for the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC); and considering that the CAR authorities referred this situation to the ICC in December 2004;

Considering the decision of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on 22 May 2007 to open an investigation on the most serious crimes committed in CAR in 2002 and 2003 and to continue his analysis of the current situation;

The NGO Forum requests the ACHPR to adopt a Resolution:

1. Condemning the serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by the parties to the conflict against the civilian population in CAR;

2. Demanding all parties to the conflict:

a. To respect fully international human rights and humanitarian law;
b. To adopt and implement an immediate cease fire on the entire territory;
c. To facilitate the work of humanitarian organisations and their free access to the North of the country;
d. To continue and reinforce to reach an effective peace agreement in accordance with international law;

3. Calling on CAR authorities:

a. To ensure that all perpetrators of the most serious crimes are prosecuted in accordance with their international obligations;
b. To cooperate with the International Criminal Court;
c. To protect IDPs and to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid;
d. To implement and reinforce psychological and medical support for the victims of crimes and provide reparation;
e. To take all necessary measures to facilitate the voluntary return of internally displaced persons to their original locations;
f. To respect fully the physical and psychological integrity of human rights defenders and all rights set out in the 1998 UN Assembly General Declaration on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders;
g. To authorise the visits of the ACHPR Special Rapporteurs on the Rights of Women in Africa and on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.

 

Done in Brazzaville, November 12th, 2007

Resolution on Strengthening the Responsibility to Protect in Africa

Posted on by

We, the participants of the NGO Forum preceding the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 15th African Human Rights Book Fair, held at the Coconut Grove Hotel, Accra, from 12 – 14 May 2007,

Recall the report of the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS) of 2001 which set the foundation for governmental and civil society effort in achieving international consensus on the Responsibility to Protect,

Note the report of the Panel of Eminent Persons on United Nations – Civil Society Relations dated 7 July 2004 which among other things proposed increased civil society participation in the activities of the United Nations,

Mindful of the report of the High – Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Changes (A more secure world: our shared responsibility) dated 1 December 2004 with particular reference to pages 29 – 30 which called for Member States to endorse the Responsibility to Protect,

Further note the report of the United Nations Secretary General entitled ‘In Larger Freedom: Towards Security, Development and Human Rights for All’ particularly paragraph 18 and 19 which call for collective action in tackling human security challenges,

Re-affirm paragraph 138 and 139 of the United Nations Summit Declaration of September 2005, where the international community expressed its determination to its responsibility and readiness to act where national authorities fail to protect their population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity,

Further Re-affirm the September 2005 United Nations Summit Declaration calling for the cooperation of relevant regional organisations to help protect populations from these grave threats and the common African position on the proposed reform of the United Nations otherwise known as the ‘Ezulwini Consensus’ where the African Union in its 7th Extraordinary Session of March 2005 in Addis Ababa adopted the Responsibility to Protect,

Deeply concerned at the slow response of the international community to past acts of genocide and crimes against humanity in Rwanda and the continued slow response to the allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur,

Call on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to:

Re-affirm paragraph 138 and 139 of the September 2005 United Nations Summit Declaration, where governments endorsed their collective responsibility to protect population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity when individual states “manifestly fail” to protect their own populations from these grave threats,

Urge the African Union to accelerate the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights by ensuring good governance and take steps to progressively protect their citizens from avoidable conflicts and provide fair and equitable participation in resource allocation and distribution,

Call on African States to expedite action towards commitment to the people of Darfur by increasing financial and logistics support for the African Union Mission with clear and effective civilian protection mandate in Darfur.

 

Done in Accra, May 14th, 2007