The 40th session of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights will be held in Banjul, Gambia from 15 - 29 November 2006.

In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, States Parties to the Charter are required to submit periodic reports every two years on the legislative or other measures they have taken to implement the human rights and freedoms recognised in the Charter. During the 40th session, the Commission will examine the following reports:

• Initial Report of the Republic of Zambia
• First Periodic Report of Uganda 
• First Periodic Report of Nigeria
  

About the African Commission

The African Commission has three main functions:

• To promote human and people's rights

The Commission promotes human and people's rights by considering States' periodic reports, making recommendations to governments and establishing norms and standards upon which African Governments may base their legislation, and working with other African or international institutions to promote and protect human rights. The Commission also has an educational function to undertake research on human rights issues in Africa, organise related conferences and disseminate information about human rights in Africa.   

• To ensure the protection of human and people's rights

The Commission endeavours to protect human rights as set out in the Charter and according to the Commission's Rules of Procedure

• To interprete the provisions of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights

The Commission has a mandate to interprete the African Charter at the request of a State Party, an institution of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) or an African organisation recognised by the OAU.

Working Group on the Death Penalty 

During its 40th session, the African Commission will be appointing independent experts to its Working Group on the Death Penalty based on nominations made by Member States of the African Union, National Human Rights Institutions, NGOs and other interested individuals and institutions. This Working Group was established at the Commission's 37th session by Res.77(XXXVII) and according to Rule 28 of its Rules of Procedure. At its 38th session, the Commission adopted a resolution to expand the Working Group to include two members of the African Commission and five independent experts. More information

Further information

• African Charter on Human and People's Rights
• African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
• Ratifications of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights
• Ratifications of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
• Resolution 71 on the Situation of Women and Children in Africa

• Past sessions of the African Commission
• Guidelines on reporting human rights violations
• Coalition for an Effective African Court on Human and People's Rights
• Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Prison Conditions in Africa
   

Previous Events (general) items

• 09/11/2006: NGO meeting to prepare for the intergovernmental working groups meetings
• 07/11/2006: Campagne de sensibilisation sur le VIH/SIDA
• 26/10/2006: The Future of Memory: Children of the Dictatorship in Argentina Speak
• 24/10/2006: Forum de la jeunesse pour la diversité
• 19/10/2006: Malaysia: Cherish our Children - Say No to Violence (media forum)

Last updated 22/05/2007 07:37:59