The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, meeting at its 66th Ordinary Session, held virtually,from 13 July to 07 August 2020:
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 African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African 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 legislationon access to informationin 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, Resolution ACHPR/Res.122 (XXXXII) 07 which expanded the mandate to include access to information in Africa , in addition to Resolution ACHPR/Res.84 (XXXXV)05,Resolution ACHPR/Res161(XLVI)09, Resolution ACHPR/Res.199(L)11, Resolution ACHPR/Res.247 (LIV) 2013and Resolution ACHPR/Res.320 (LVII) 2015 which renewedthe mandate;
Further recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.377(LXI)2017which appointed Mr. Lawrence Mute as the Special Rapporteur;
Considering that the mandate of Mr. Lawrence Mute, as a Member of the Commission and Special Rapporteur, came to an end on 29 June 2020;
Noting with appreciation the work done by Mr. Lawrence Muteas the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa;
Noting the Final Communiqué of the 28th Extraordinary Session held from 29 June to 1 July 2020 wherein responsibilities were assigned to Commissioners;
Decides to appoint Commissioner Jamesina Essie L. King as the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, for a period of two years with effect from 01 July 2020.
Done virtually on 07 August 2020
