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The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is the premier human rights enforcement mechanism of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Created under its Article 30, to promote and protect human rights in Africa, it was established on the 2nd November 1987 and is based in Banjul, The Gambia.

Composition

The African Commission is composed of 11 Commissioners. Each Commissioner serves in their individual capacity. Article 31 of the African Charter requires that commissioners be “African personalities of the highest reputation, known for their high morality, integrity, impartiality and competence in matters of human and peoples’ rights”. They are elected by the AU Assembly of Heads of States. 

See list of all African Commissioners since 1987.

IHRDA work before the African Commission

Being the premier complaints-handling body of the African Human Rights System, IHRDA’s work significantly involves the African Commission. We participate at its ordinary sessions, collaborate closely with its special mechanisms and working groups, and file cases before it on behalf of victims of human rights abuses.

See our ongoing cases before the African Commission.

See our cases decided by the African Commission.

As with legal work, a significant part of our publications work is dedicated to the African Commission. Our principal publication work in this regard are the case law of the African Commission in the following formats:

Upcoming publications on African Commission

 

  • Making Complaints to the Africa Human Rights System
  • Admissibility before the African Commission – Getting it Right

IHRDA statements before the African Commission