Resolution appointing Expert Members for the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa - ACHPR/Res.268(LV)2014

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) meeting at its 55^th Ordinary Session, in Luanda, Angola, 28April to 12 May 2014;

Considering 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);

Bearing in mind that the Commission established the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa (the Working Group) composed of eight members, amongst them, three Members of the Commission;

Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.148(XLVI)09: Resolution on the Establishment of a Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa, adopted during the 46^th Ordinary Session of the Commission, held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 11 to 25 November 2009;

Further Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.175 (XLVIII)10: Resolution to increase the Membership of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa, adopted during the 48^th Ordinary Session of the Commission, held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 10 to 25 October 2010;

Further Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.198(L)11: Resolution Appointing the Chairperson and Members of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa, adopted during the 50^th Ordinary Session of the Commission, held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 24 October to 5 November 2011, appointing Commissioner Pacifique Manirakiza as Chairperson of the Working Group;

Further Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.215(LI)2012: Resolution on the Renewal of the Mandate of Expert Members of the Working Group Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa, adopted during the 51^st Ordinary Session of the Commission held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 18 April to 02 May 2012;

Further Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.253(LIV): Resolution on the Renewal of the Mandate of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa, adopted during the 54^th Ordinary Session of the Commission, held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 22 October to 5 November 2013, renewing the mandate of the Working Group for a period of two years taking effect from 05 November 2013;

Convinced of the necessity of improved human rights protection through development of jurisprudence on holding non-state actors accountable for human rights violations in Africa;

Noting the reduced number of members of the Working Group following the none active participation of two expert members, and conscious of the need to appoint two new members to replace them,

Recognizing that the success of the Working Group depends on the commitment of its members including their expertise to carry out its mandate and the importance for research, knowledge and capacity building to the Working Group;

Conscious of the need to ensure fair representation, taking into account the various geographical regions, languages, legal systems and gender;

1. Decides to appoint the following expert members of the Working Group for a period of two years: Ms. Sheila Keetharuth (Mauritius) in replacement of Mr. Samuel Nguiffo (Cameroun), and Mr. Eric Kassongo Kalonji (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in replacement of Mr. Gilbert Maoundonodji (Chad);       

2. Renews the membership of the following experts:

1.      Mr. Clement Voulé;

2.      Professor James Gathii;

3.      Ms. Valerie Couillard; and

4.      Professor Michelo Hansungule.

Adopted at the 55^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Luanda, Angola, 28 April to 12 May 2014