18 June 2015
The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association yesterday 17 June 2015 applauded the strides made by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (‘the Commission’) to advance freedom of association and assembly in Africa.
In his opening remarks on the question of freedom of assembly and association at the 29th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai said, “I welcome the efforts of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights … for their landmark reports and guidelines on the freedom of association and assembly released this year.
It should be noted that the report on freedom of association and assembly in Africa is the brainchild of the Commission’s Study Group on Freedom of Association and Assembly that conducted the study on the relevant laws and practices in Africa from 2012 to 2014. The Group comprised human rights experts and CSOs including the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa.
The report was launched on 25 April 2015 at the 56th Ordinary Session of the Commission in The Gambia. The 79-page document paints a vivid picture of the situation of freedom of association and assembly in Africa, with practical recommendations which stakeholders and actors are encouraged to take into account in their efforts to advance freedom and peace on the continent
Click the following link to see the complete report: ACHPR Report on Freedom of Association and Assembly 2015
