ACDHRS ACHPR THEMATIC RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE

ACDHRS
ACHPR
THEMATIC RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FORUM ON THE PARTICIPATION OF
NGOs IN THE 46TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON
HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS AND 20TH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS BOOK FAIR
7-9 NOVEMBER, 2009
KAIRABA BEACH HOTEL - BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
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RECOMMANDATION SUR LA SITUATION DE LA FEMME ET DES ENFANTS EN AFRIQUE
Les jeunes constituent 60% des populations en Afrique et les femmes, plus de 50% ; mais ils ne sont
pas suffisamment protégés ; les dispositions consacrées à la protection des enfants ne sont pas
toujours appliquées, malgré toutes les bonnes dispositions qui sont prises les violations des droits de
la femme et de l’enfant continuent de faire l’actualité 20 ans après l’entrée en vigueur de la
Convention sur les Droits de l’Enfant.
Le Forum des ONG, après avoir passé en revue la situation de la femme et de l’enfant, notamment
les instruments et mécanismes de protection et de promotion des droits de la femme et de l’enfant,
recommande à la Commission:
1- De prendre simultanément en compte, la problématique de la femme et celle des enfants, en
particulier les filles ;
2- D’encourager un réseautage entre les ONG œuvrant en faveur des femmes et des enfants ;
3- De créer une synergie partenariale entre la société civile et les gouvernements ;
4- D’encourager les Etats à :
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respecter les mécanismes de suivi de la mise en application des instruments
Africains de protection de la femme et de l’enfant ;
assurer l’instruction, la sensibilisation et l’information aux femmes et aux filles ;
insuffler un dynamisme à la mise en œuvre des initiatives des femmes et des
enfants ;
impliquer les femmes dans la résolution des conflits armés notamment la médiation ;
accentuer la scolarisation des enfants, en particulier celle des filles jusqu’au niveau
secondaire
mettre en place des stratégies pour la mise en œuvre de l’appel à l’accélération des
actions en faveur des femmes et des enfants ;
soutenir les femmes et filles, dans leurs efforts d’autonomie sur le plan économique ;
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décourager toutes formes de violences envers les femmes, y compris les filles, et
rendre justice et réparations aux victimes ;
poursuivre la ratification et l’application de la charte Africaine des droits et du bienêtre de l’enfant, du protocole de l’union africaine relatif aux droits de la femme et la
déclaration de Solemn sur l’égalité des sexes en Afrique ;
mettre en place des stratégies visant à sensibiliser les leaders d’opinions, les
communautés et chefs traditionnels et religieux sur les mauvaises pratiques, en les
amenant à s’orienter vers les bonnes ;
Le Forum des ONG prie la Commission de pousser les états membres à :
• respecter leurs engagements à protéger et à promouvoir les droits de la femme et de
l’enfant et à lutter contre la mortalité maternelle ;
• mettre en place des mécanismes de suivi des décisions et engagements en faveur des
femmes et des enfants en Afrique et dans le monde ;
• à harmoniser les instruments internationaux et les lois nationales ;
• à veiller à la disponibilité des statistiques globales fiables sur la problématique des
femmes et des enfants en Afrique, en vue des analyses beaucoup plus approfondies;
• à rendre l’enseignement primaire obligatoire et gratuit pour tous les enfants (filles et
garçons) jusqu’à l’âge de 15 ans afin de rabaisser le taux d’analphabétisme ;
• à constituer des répertoires des expériences réussies de protection des droits des
femmes et des enfants en Afrique, en vue d’une démultiplication ;
• à lutter contre le trafic et l’exploitation sexuelle des femmes et des enfants en Afrique
Le Forum des ONG réuni en sa 46ème session à Banjul s’est réjoui de la résolution prise par la
Commission en sa 45ème session et qui consacre sa décision de collaborer avec le Comité sur
les Droit et le Bien-être de l’Enfant et demande à La Commission Africaine des Droits de
l’Homme de procéder à un plaidoyer en direction des Etats Africains, pour une dotation
budgétaire conséquente en faveur des ministères qui s’occupent de la femme et de l’enfant.
Fait à Banjul, Gambie, le 9 Novembre 2009
ACDHRS
ACHPR
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RECMMENDATION ON LGBTI
Recalling that in order to be granted observer status before the African Commission, an
applying NGOs must, in terms of the Resolution for the Granting of and for Maintaining
Observer Status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1999),
have objectives and activities ‘in consonance with’ the fundamental principles and
objectives in the African Union Constitutive Act and the African Charter;
Recalling that the promotion and protection of human rights in accordance with the
African Charter and other relevant human rights instruments is one of the objectives of
the AU (art 3(h)) and that the promotion of gender equality, respect for human rights
and the promotion of social justice are among the principles of the AU (arts 4 (l), (m)
and (n));
Further recalling the African Commission’s long-standing practice of granting observer
status to NGOs in order to support its mandate to protect and promote human rights in
Africa, including to NGOs whose activities and objectives extend to the protection and
promotion of the rights of sexual minorities;
Taking note that the NGO Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL) has submitted a request
to be granted observer status with the African Commission;
Noting that the objectives and activities of CAL are directed towards the promotion and
protection of human rights and the promotion of gender equality;
Concerned that the African Commission discussed this issue but postponed its final
decision on this matter during its 45th ordinary session;
Accepting as point of departure that the human rights of all Africans, irrespective of
sexual orientation and gender identity, are protected under the African Charter (art 2 of
the Charter);
The NGO Forum
Strongly urges the African Commission to grant observer status to NGOs in accordance
with art 2 of the African Charter.
Done at Banjul, the Gambia, 9 November 2009
ACDHRS
ACHPR
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RECOMMENDATION :
Prevention and Prohibition of Torture and Other Inhuman and Degrading
Treatment or Punishment; and Prison and Penal Reform in Africa.
The NGO Forum focused on two thematic areas namely: (i) Prevention and Prohibition
of torture; (ii) Prisons and Penal Reforms in Africa. The Forum assessed the situation
relating to these issues and the status of compliance to these rights in various countries
in Africa. It also noted best practices and obstacles faced in realisation of these rights
as well as identified strategies to promote effective networking amongst the NGO Forum
and contributing to the work of the Commission. Key recommendations were made by
the Forum to the Commission towards enhancing the promotion and protection of
human rights in Africa with respect to prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman
and Degrading Treatment, and promotion of Prison and Penal Reform.
On Torture
The NGO Forum welcomes the resolutions with respect to Prevention and Prohibition of
Torture adopted by the NGO Forum at the 45th Session and further:
(i). Urges the Commission to reaffirm the importance of in – country visits and to carry
out steps to incorporate and effectively implement activities aimed at prevention of
torture within the mandate of the Follow-Up Committee on the Implementation of the
Robben Island Guidelines;
(ii). Urges the Commission to condemn the action of the Government of Zimbabwe on
the deportation of the UN SR On Torture, and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment, Professor Manfred Nowak from Zimbabwe on 28 October
2009 during his visit to carry out his mandate;
(iii). Calls upon the Commission in particular the Chairperson on the Working group on
RIG to carry out a fact finding mission to Zimbabwe on the issue of Torture;
(iv). Requests the Commission to urge all member states to cooperate with the African
Commission and the United Nations mechanisms for promotion and protection of
human rights including provision of access for the execution of in-country visits;
(v). Urges the Commission to establish an effective mechanism for awareness creation,
sensitisation, training and capacity building of Governments and CSOs on torture
prevention, documentation and provision of rehabilitation and redress for victims; and
(vi). Urges the Commission to request member states yet to sign and ratify CAT,
OPCAT and all other related Conventions and protocols to do so.
On Prisons:
The Forum commends the Resolution of the Forum on Prisons and Penal Reform in
Africa at its 45th Ordinary Session and further:
(i). Urges on the Commission especially its Special Rapporteur on Prisons and
Condition of Detention in Africa to work closely with Heads of Prisons and Correctional
Services in Africa and the newly formed African Correctional Services Association
(ACSA) as well as NGOs working on the field to develop sustainable mechanisms to
address the problems faced by prisoners, ex- prisoners and prison services in African
countries;
(ii). Urges the Commission to request member states to support the establishment of
effective and sustainable prison reforms, including increase in budgetary allocations,
establishment of parliamentary and other oversight and support mechanisms towards
promoting reforms in the justice and prison sector in their respective countries;
(iii). Urges the Commission especially the Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Condition
of Detention in Africa to collaborate with member state and NGOs to set up
mechanisms towards the compilation of compendium on the state of prisons and
conditions of detention as well as good prison practice, in Africa.
Done at Banjul, 9 November 2009
ACDHRS
ACHPR
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Recommendation on Internally Displaced Persons, Refugees and Immigrant
The question of IDPs, refugees, asylum seekers and immigrant was addressed both as
a thematic issue and a country-specific situation.
The situation of IDPs, refugees, asylum seekers and immigrant is worrisome in many
parts of Africa. Political and economic reasons are, more often than not, at the origin of
IDP and refugee exodus in Africa. However, it is observed in recent years that climate
change is a serious threat that could increase the numbers of IDPs and refugees in
Africa manifold. In east Africa flooding and drought have affected more than 20 millions
this year alone.
Africa is host to about 3 million refuges and 13 million IDPs. While the number of
refuges is diminishing and refugee camps are shutting down in some countries the
number of IDPs is in the rise. The number of refugees in Africa has decreased from
about 8 millions some 10 years ago to 3 millions in 2009. This decrease is attributable
to voluntary return and repatriation of refuges but also because some host countries are
naturalising long-time refugees in their countries.
In some African region the situation of IDPs and refugees is long-standing or chronic
while in others it is emerging. This requires two different kinds of interventions and
action including political transformation and/or early warning depending on the specific
context and situation.
We, participants at the 46th session of the NGO Forum made the following
recommendations:
1. To reduce the number of IDPs, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Africa,
states should address the root causes underneath these phenomena. They need
to embark on political reform and fully respect the principles of good governance,
the rule of law and popular participation in the decision-making process. Efforts
should also be made to ensure equitable distribution of national wealth, poverty
reduction and the implementation of sound sustainable development strategies to
help mitigate the effects of climate change that could be a contributing factor.
1. To build on the progress made by the African Commission with regard to the
return of Mauritanian refugees from Senegal and Mali, the new Special
Rapporteur on Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees in Africa should
follow-up the outstanding arrangements between the governments of Mauritania
and Mali and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to facilitate
the return of Mauritanian refugees from Mali.
2. African NGOs should intensify their efforts in support of the African Convention
on the Protection and Assistance to the Internally Displaced Persons in Africa
(Kampala Convention) as adopted by the AU Summit of Heads of State and
Government on 23rd October 2009 and ensure that African states speedily ratify
this Convention.
Done at Banjul, The Gambia 9 November 2009
ACDHRS
ACHPR
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RECOMMANDATION GENERALE
Pour appuyer les résolutions et recommandations soumises lors de la 45ème
Session de la CADHP
Nous, organisations non-gouvernementales d'Afrique réunies à Banjul du 7 au 9
Novembre 2009, à l'occasion du Forum de participation des ONG à la 46ème Session
de la Commission Africaine des Droits de l'Homme et des Peuples ;
Considérant qu’à sa 45 e session tenue à Banjul en Mai, la Commission Africaine des
Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples n’a pas eu le temps nécessaire pour considérer les
résolutions et recommandations lui envoyé par le Forum de participation des ONG à la
45 e session
Considérant que les situations des droits de l’homme évoquées dans ces résolutions et
recommandations demeurent encore préoccupantes
Recommandation à la Commission Africaine des droits de l’homme et des Peuples de
reconsidérer à sa 46 e session les résolutions et recommandations suivantes :
1. Résolution sur les élections en Afrique
2. Résolution sur l’adoption d’un protocole à la charte Africaine des Droits de
l’homme et des peuples portant protection des Défenseurs
3. Recommandation sur la situation des droits de l’homme en Somalie
ACDHRS
ACHPR
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RECOMMENDATION ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
We, participants at the 46th session of the NGO Forum call upon the commission to act
on the resolution made during the previous session on Zimbabwe and send the Special
Rapporteur on freedom of expression as a matter of urgency on a fact-finding and
investigative mission to Zimbabwe regarding violations of the right to freedom of
expression and to especially to pursue the following:
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The arrests and prosecution of journalists and human rights defenders for
exercising the right to freedom of expression.
Delay in freeing media space for a diverse and pluralistic media.
The repressive laws and institutions hindering the exercise and enjoyment of this
right in Zimbabwe.
We call upon the Commission to pursue and act upon the disappearance of the
Gambian journalist Chief Ibrahim Manneh who has been missing since 2006.
We also call upon the African Commission to urge the coalition government of
Zimbabwe to implement the Commission’s 4 June 2009 ruling that it should repeal
article 79 and 80 of Access to information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA),
which remains inconsistent with the provisions of the African Charter, as well as urge
them to comply with the outcome of the commission’s 2002 fact-finding mission.
The Commission is also urged to put pressure on all countries to repeal all laws that
criminalize the exercise of freedom of expression as in Zimbabwe, Gambia, SierraLeone and Tanzania and also urge them to put in place legislation that enhance the
enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression such as freedom of Information laws,
Sierra-Leone being an example.
We urge the commission to condemn the continuing attacks and persecution of the
media in Tanzania which saw the shutting down of the Mwanahalisi news paper
following the acid attack on two of its journalists. This is more so as it approaches its
2010 elections.
Done at Banjul, The Gambia, 9 November 2009
ACDHRS
ACHPR
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RECOMMANDATION SUR LES PEUPLES AUTOCHTONES Le Forum des ONG recommande à la Commission Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et
des Peuples de:
• Renforcer la capacité de son groupe de travail sur les Communautés
Autochtones en Afrique,
• Demander aux Etats membres d’informer la Commission lors de la soumission
de leurs rapports périodiques:
1. Sur les mesures prises par les Etas en vue de la mise en œuvre de
la Déclaration des Nations-Unies sur les droits des peuples
autochtones adoptés par l’Assemblée Générale en Septembre
2007. Notamment la reconnaissance de l’identité et le droit
coutumier à la terre),
2. Sur les mesures prises pour impliquer les représentants des
peuples Autochtones dans les programmes de développement
social, économique et culturel tels que ceux portant sur l’éducation,
la santé, le logement et la lutte contre la pauvreté,
3. Sur les mesures prises pour assurer la représentation des Peuples
Autochtones dans les instances de prise de décision pour toutes les
affaires qui les concernent.
4. Sur les moyens mis en œuvre par les Etats pour obtenir le
consentement libre, préalable et informé, avant toutes mesures
législatives ou administratives ou tout autres programmes ou
activités susceptibles d'avoir un impact sur les droits de l'homme et
modes de vie des représentants des peuples autochtones,
notamment:
a) s'agissant des projets de développement ou de création de
parcs ou réserves naturelles sur les terres occupés par les peuples
autochtones ou les terres nécessaires aux peuples autochtones
transhumants;
b) s'agissant des mesures d'adaptation relatives aux
programmes sur les changements climatiques prises au niveau
national et international.
Fait à Banjul le 9 novembre 2009