The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) held its 81st Ordinary Session from 17 October to 6 November 2024;
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);
Also recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res. 559 ( LXXV) 2023 on the celebration of the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela African Day in recognition of his efforts as a great defender of human rights;
Taking into account UN General Assembly Resolution A/Res/64/13, adopted on 10 November 2009, declaring 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day;
Welcoming the statement by the representative of the Republic of South Africa at the 75th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia, on the significance of recognizing Nelson Mandela Day at the continental level, as is observed globally through the United Nations;
Further welcoming his statements at the 81st Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 17 October to 6 November 2024, on the importance of giving lasting content to the theme for the year 2024, namely ‘’Educate an African fit for the 21st century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa‘’.
Bearing in mind, therefore, his public statement on the offer of 65 scholarships by the Nelson Mandela Rhodes Foundation, as part of Nelson Mandela’s Legacy Projects, which also include the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund;
The Commission:
1. Takes note of and commends the Nelson Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s offer of 65 scholarships to support young Africans committed to human rights, leadership and social justice;
2. Proposes that the scholarship be named “Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela African Human Rights Scholarship”;
3. Requests that the Nelson Mandela Rhodes Foundation, in collaboration with the Africa Desk and the Institute for Global Health and Diplomacy, sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the management procedures, and the criteria and processes for awarding these scholarships, ensuring transparency, accessibility and alignment with Nelson Mandela’s vision for Africa;
4. Decides to officially launch this Scholarship during the next Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Africa Day in 2025, jointly with the Host Country, the Republic of The Gambia, UN Agencies based in The Gambia, the University of The Gambia, Human Rights Institutes and other stakeholders;
5. Decides to report on the drafting and implementation of this Resolution at the 83rd Session and, in future, to report each year at Ordinary Sessions on progress made in the implementation of the Resolution, taking into account skills development and needs aligned with Agenda 2063.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia on 6th November 2024
