The African Union has been established in 1999 taking the place of the former OAU (Organisation of African Unity). Among its aims, we may include i) accelerating the process of integration in the continent, ii) promoting unity and solidarity among African States, iii) coordinating and intensifying cooperation for development (see the Constitutive Act AU).
The commitment to Human Rights
Within the context of the former OAU, the first regional tool for the protection of human rights has been adopted. In 1981 in Nairobi the OAU elaborated and opened to signature the “African Charter on Human and People’s Rights” (African Charter). The Charter led to the establishment of the African Human Rights Commission, located in Banjul (Gambia), and in 2004 of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, located in Arusha (Tanzania). The Court complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and it has jurisdiction over all cases and disputes submitted to it concerning the interpretation and application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, States Parties to the Charter are required to submit every two years, a report on the legislative or other measures taken, with a view to giving effect to the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed by the Charter.
Useful links
The African Union: www.au.int
The African Court on Human and People’s Rights: www.african-court.org
The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights: www.achpr.org