The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the commission), meeting at its 73rd Ordinary Session, held in Banjul, The Gambia from the 20 October to 09 November 2022:
Recalling its mandate of promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa, pursuant to Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Aware that in the exercise of its mandate the Commission has established various mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa;
Emphasizing that the right to freedom of expression and access to information is a fundamental human right guaranteed by Article 9 of the African Charter;
Reaffirming the commitment of the African Commission to promote the right to freedom of expression and access to information, and monitor implementation of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa by the States Parties;
Bearing in mind the Model Law on Access to Information in Africa which was adopted by the African Commission to encourage the adoption of national legislation on access to information in line with the regional and international standards;
Mindful of the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa, adopted by the African Commission in light of the importance of the right of access to information to the creation of a conducive environment for free, fair and transparent elections, and elaborate on the information which should be proactively disclosed by all relevant actors during elections;
Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.71(XXXVI)04 which established the special mechanism on Freedom of Expression in Africa, and Resolution ACHPR/Res.122 (XXXXII) 07 which expanded the mandate to include access to information in Africa;
Noting Resolution ACHPR/Res. 504 (LXIX) 2021 on the appointment of Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo as the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, on 5 December 2021;
Recognizing the tremendous work done by Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo and all former Special Rapporteurs on the Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa in the discharge of their mandate;
Noting the decisions taken during this 73rd Ordinary Session regarding the allocation of responsibilities among the Commissioners;
Decides to renew the mandate of Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo as the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, for a period of two (2) years with effect from 9 November 2022.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia, 9 November 2022
