The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) meeting at its 57th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia from 4 to 18 November 2015;
Recalling its mandate to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in Africa under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Bearing in mind the adoption and coming into force of the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol and the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa;
Also bearing in mind the adoption in 2009 and the coming into force in 2012 of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention);
Recalling the decision adopted at its 35th Ordinary Session held from 21 May to 4 June 2004 in Banjul, The Gambia, establishing a Special Mechanism on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa;
Mindful of Resolution ACHPR/Res. 72(XXXVI) 04 adopted at its 36th Ordinary Session held from 23 November to 7 December 2004 in Dakar, Senegal, and which defined the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa;
Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res. 95(XXXIX) 06 expanding the mandate of the Special Rapporteur to also include migrant issues;
Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.180(XLIX) 11 appointing Commissioner KAYITESI Zainabo Sylvie as Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa;
Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res. 230 (L) 11 appointing Commissioner Maya Sahli Fadel as Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa;
Recalling further Resolution ACHPR/Res. 246 (LIV) 13 of 5 November 2013 renewing the mandate of Commissioner Maya Sahli Fadel as Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa;
Concerned about the increase in the number of migrants trying to leave their countries, and travelling in dangerous and inhuman conditions;
Taking into account the constantly worsening situation of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and migrants;
Considering the need to continue to advocate for the ratification of the Kampala Convention and its effective implementation on the continent by States Parties;
Considering the need to continue to work with States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights towards the adoption of the draft Additional Protocol to the African Charter on the Right to Nationality and the Eradication of Statelessness in Africa;
Reiterating the importance of the mechanism of the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa;
Noting with satisfaction the work accomplished by Commissioner Maya Sahli Fadel as Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa;
Considering that the mandate of Commissioner Maya Sahli Fadel has expired;
Considering also the need for the mechanism of the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa to continue to carry out its mandate;
Decides to renew the mandate of Commissioner Maya Sahli-Fadel as the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa for a two-year period, with effect from 18 November 2015.
Adopted at the 57th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights held from 4 to 18 November 2015 in Banjul, The Gambia
