The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), meeting at its 81st Ordinary Session, held in Banjul, The Gambia from the 17 October to 06 November 2024:
Recalling its mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa under 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 are fundamental human rights guaranteed by Article 9 of the African Charter;
Reaffirming the commitment of the Commission to promote the rights 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 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 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;
Noting 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;
Recalling 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 (the Special Rapporteur), on 05 December 2021;
Further recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.528 (LXXIII) 2022 renewing the mandate of Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo as the Special Rapporteur, adopted during the 73rd Ordinary Session, held in Banjul, The Gambia from the 20 October to 09 November 2022;
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 06 November 2024.
