INTER-SESSION ACTIVITY REPORT OF HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER MUDFORD ZACHARIAH MWANDENGA
As
Member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
Vice Chairperson of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities;
&
Chairperson of the Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural (ECOSOC) Rights
Presented at the
81st Ordinary Session
17 October to 6 November 2024
Banjul, The Gambia
Table of Contents
SECTION I – INTRODUCTION 3
SECTION II - INTERSESSION ACTIVITIES…………………………………………….4
PART I: ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN IN MY CAPACITY AS A MEMBER OF THE 4
COMMISSION & COUNTRY RAPPORTEUR 4
PART II: ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN IN MY CAPACITY AS THE VICE CHAIRPERSON OF 7
THE WORKING GROUP ON THE RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA 7
PART III: ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN IN MY CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE 7
WORKING GROUP ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL (ECOSOC) RIGHTS 7
IN AFRICA 7
SECTION III - SITUATION ANALYSIS OF ECOSOC RIGHTS ON THE CONTINENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS 10
PART I: SITUATION ANALYSIS OF ECOSOC RIGHTS ON THE CONTINENT 10
PART II: OPPORTUNITIES SIEZED BY THE WORKING GROUP…………………13
PART III: CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 14
SECTION I – INTRODUCTION
1. This Report is submitted in accordance with Rules 25(3) and 64 of the Rules of Procedure 2020, of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) and covers the activities undertaken during the inter-session period between the 79th and 81st Ordinary Sessions of the Commission.
2. The Report covers activities I undertook as a Member of the Commission, as Country Rapporteur responsible for monitoring human rights situation in Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda and Uganda; as Chairperson of the Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa and Vice Chairperson of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa.
3. The Report is divided into three (3) sections as follows:
(a) Section I: Introduction
(b) Section II:
- Part I - Activities undertaken in my capacity as a Member of the Commission and Country Rapporteur Monitoring Human Rights situation in my countries of responsibility;
Part II – Activities undertaken in my capacity as Vice Chairperson of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities; and
- Part III – Activities undertaken in my capacity as the Chairperson of the Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa.
(c) Section III:
- Part I – Situation analysis of ECOSOC Rights on the Continent;
- PART II: Opportunities seized by the Working Group on ECOSOC; and
- Part III - Conclusion and Recommendations.
SECTION II – INTER-SESSION ACTIVITIES
PART I: ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN IN MY CAPACITY AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION & COUNTRY RAPPORTEUR
A. Ordinary Sessions of the Commission
79th Ordinary Session
4. From 15th May to 3rd June 2024, I participated in the 79th Ordinary Session of the Commission, held in a hybrid format Banjul, The Gambia, wherein I contributed to the Commission’s interaction with stakeholders on urgent human rights issues on the Continent. I also held briefs with some delegates and representatives of human national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations on the human rights situation in the countries that I cover. Furthermore, I participated in consideration and adoption of decisions on Communications and Resolutions, examination of Periodic State Reports pursuant to Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), and review of other documents adopted by the Commission.
80th Ordinary Session
5. On 24th July to 2nd August 2024, I participated in the 80th Ordinary Session of the Commission, held virtually, which primarily considered Communications; Resolutions; Reports; other documents and matters arising from the Commission’s 79th Ordinary Session.
B. Country Monitoring:
6. In accordance with the Commission’s mandate under Article 45 of the African Charter, the Commission has an important role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment in respect for the provisions therein. In this regard, Members of the Commission have the responsibility to monitor the situation of human rights in countries and address concerns as appropriate. In doing so, State Parties and other stakeholders are encouraged “to cooperate and consult the Country Rapporteurs of the Commission in the design, planning, implementation and review of Human Rights mandate in their country.”
7. In line with my mandate, I monitor the situation of human rights as Country Rapporteur in the following five (5) State Parties to the African Charter, namely: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Republic of Liberia, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda.
8. During the intersession period therefore, I paid particular attention to the human rights situations in the respective countries, and in doing so, I issued letters of Urgent Appeals, and Press Release on the human rights concerns brought to my attention:
Letter of Urgent Appeal to the Republic of Uganda
9. On 19 September 2024, as the Country Rapporteur on the Human Rights situation in the Republic of Uganda and Chairperson of the Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa, together with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa ; the Special Rapporteur on Prisons, Conditions of Detention and Policing in Africa ; Chairperson of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Enviroment and Human Rights Violations in Africa ; Chairperson of the Committee on the Prevention of Torture in Africa; and Chairperson of the Working Group on Death Penalty, Extra-Judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Africa , we sent a letter of Urgent Appeal to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, regarding reports of the recurring attacks against environmental human rights defenders in Uganda.
10. The reports indicate that human rights defenders have been subject to abductions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill treatment, and incommunicado detention. They are being directly targeted because of their advocacy on environmental causes in Uganda. Local defenders have reported multiple instances from October 2022 till date in which environmental defenders, local community members and protestors were arrested.
11. In view of the concerns expressed, and reaffirming the rights and freedoms enshrined in the African Charter, we respectfully urged the Government of Uganda to :
a) Take the necessary urgent measures to guarantee the rights to life, liberty, physical and moral integrity of human rights defenders, and provide an environment which allows the free exercise of all rights guaranteed in the aforementioned international instruments including the rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression;
b) Conduct a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into all allegations of violations described above and to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide reparations to the victims, and notify the Commission of the conclusions of the investigations; and
c) Initiate, in a safe space, a consultation with affected communities and independent experts on measures to ensure further abuses do not occur.
12. The Commission is yet to receive a response from the Government of the Republic of Uganda.
Joint Letter of Urgent Appeal to the Federal Republic of Ethiopia
13. On 19 September 2024, in my capacity as the Commissioner Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, together with Chairperson and Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa, we sent a Joint Letter of Urgent Appeal to the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E Sahle-Work Zewde, regarding the escalating threats against the Ethiopian Human Rights Council Organisation (EHRCO) and increasing crackdown on Civil Society in Ethiopia. The Reports indicate that on several occasions, there have been threats, arbitrary arrests and assaults of human rights defenders working with various civil society organisations such as EHRCO; Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE); Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD); and Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (the Center).
14. In view of the concerns expressed, and reaffirming the rights and freedoms enshrined in the African Charter, we respectfully urged the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to :
a) Take necessary measures to guarantee the security and protection of all staff members of the EHRCO; AHRE; CARD; and the Center;
b) Carry out independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of harassment against staff members of EHRCO, AHRE, CARD and the Center;
c) Take necessary measures to ensure that all human rights defenders in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have a free and safe environment which allows them to carry out their human rights work without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions, including judicial harassment;
d) Inform the Commission of the steps it has taken or intends to take in fulfilment of its obligations with respect to the concerns raised in this letter.
15. The Commission is yet to receive a response from the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Press Statement on on the Devastating Landslides in Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia
16. On 24th July 2024, as Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopa, I issued a Press Statement on the Devastating Landslides in Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
17. I expressed sadness on the known death of 157 people and expressed deep condolences to the families and communities affected by such loss of lives. I also extended heartfelt prayers to those in the hospital and the communities as the search went on.
18. I recalled the responsibility of the State as part of its obligation under Article 1 of the African Charter to give effect to the rights enshrined in the African Charter to mobilize the necessary responses for mitigating the impact of the landslides on affected communities including, the provision of assistance to the bereaved families and the internally displaced. In the light of potential continuity of heavy rains, I urged the State to adopt protective measures including early warning and facilitation of relocation of communities in imminent risk of being affected and adoption of effective disaster management strategies. The press statement expressed the Commission’s support to the efforts of the Government and people of Ethiopia to manage the crisis effectively and mitigate future risks in accordance with human and peoples’ rights.
PART II: ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN IN MY CAPACITY AS THE VICE CHAIRPERSON OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA
19. From 1st to 5th September 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, in my capacity as Vice Chairperson of the Working Group, I participated in the African Conference for People with Disabilities organised by African Disability Forum.
20. The theme of the conference was ‘Persons with Disabilities in a Post-pandemic World: Redefining Inclusive Development & Humanitarian Agenda in Africa’. Durign the Conference, I made a presentation in a panel discussion on From Africa to the world: How can the African Disability Protocol be exemplified for disability inclusion worldwide.
PART III: ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN IN MY CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL (ECOSOC) RIGHTS IN AFRICA
Promotion and Protection of ECOSOC Rights in Africa through:
A. Strategic Engagements during Sessions of the Commission
i. Activities during the 79th Ordinary Session
21. During the 79th Ordinary Session of the Commission, I presented my Activity Report which informed participants of the situation of ECOSOC rights in Africa, received interventions from interested Stakeholders and took note of matters requiring the attention of the Working Group. I also attended the Forum on the participation of the NGOs on the margins of the 79th Ordinary Session and moderated the Inaugural Panel Discussion on Human Rights Educating and Equality in African Education Systems. I was also a Panellist on Panel 3: Overcoming Barriers to Education Access in Rural Africa: Experience Sharing and Lesson Learnt.
22. During the 79th Ordinary Session I participated on the Panel on the African Union Theme of the Year- The Right to Education.
B. Strategic Engagements with Partners during the Intersession of the Commission
Meeting of the Working Group on ECOSOC with partners
23. On 3rd May 2024, I took part in an online meeting of the Working Group on ECOSOC with its partners, DIHR, NANHRI and the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria to discuss the Inception Phase of the draft Study on Integrating Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in National Development Planning in Africa.
24. The meeting discussed and agreed on the research methodology for the case studies; provided input to the preliminary analysis of national development plans in Africa and agreed on an updated process plan for the finalization of the draft study.
2nd Annual Reproductive Justice Litigation Baraza
25. From 15 to 17th August 2024, in my capacity as the Chairperspn of the Working Group on ECOSOC Rights in Africa. I participated in the in 2nd Annual Reproductive Justice Litigation Baraza, held in Entebbe, Uganda. The Baraza was organised by Afya na Haki Institute (Ahaki). under the theme “Reimagining a Regional Africentric Approach to Litigating Reproductive Justice through South-to-South Knowledge Exchange”.
26. The regional baraza is a space for reproductive justice actors in Africa including; judges, lawyers, academia, policymakers and activists, to constructively engage and devise strategies to tackle reproductive justice issues in the region through litigation while drawing from evidence and experiences of experts in the field. These conversations are also informed by regional normative frameworks and issues emerging from the various engagements of the African Union including the African Commission.
27. During the Baraza, I gave the Opening Remarks and also made a presentation on the Utilisation of Special Human Rights Mechanisms to Realize Reproductive Justice.
10th Anniversary of the ACHPR Resolution 275
28. From 28th to 29th August 2024, I participated in a conference marking the 10th Anniversary of the ACHPR Resolution 275, held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Conference was organised by UNDP in cooperating with Synergia, the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights, Pan Africa ILGA, and a number of other organizations.
29. The purpose of the conference was to reflect on progress made and challenges faced in meeting the obligations outlined in Resolution 275; to highlight how Resolution 275 can continue to guide the continent towards a future where the rights of all Africans – including sexual and gender minorities - are protected, respected and promoted; and to draw lessons for improved implementation and a more inclusive future with No One Left Behind.
30. During the Conference, I was part of a Panel Discussion and made a Presentation on the Regional Institutions Initiatives and South to South Learning (What has been done, What more can be done/improved to ensure implementation of Resolution 275.)
3rd Business and Human Rights Forum
31. From 8th to 10th October 2024, I participated virtually at the 3rd Business and Human Rights Forum organized by NANHRI and UNDP. The event took place at the UN Office in Nairobi, Kenya under the theme Promoting Responsible Business Conduct in a Rapidly Changing Context”. As part of this Forum, NANHRI and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are co-organising a session titled "Dialogue on Synergies between the UNGPs on Business and Human Rights and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA)".
32. The forum built on the ongoing conversation on the importance of mainstreaming human rights into trade under the AfCFTA, as illustrated, among other things, by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Resolution on a Human Rights-Based approach to the Implementation and Monitoring of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACHPR/Res.551 (LXXIV) 2023).
33. I was a panellist and contributed the discussion on linkages between trade, human rights and development under the AfCFTA which was a prelude to the actual 3rd Business and Human Rights Forum on the 8th October, 2024.
34. On the 9th October, 2024 I was supposed to make a presentation during the capacity building session for reporting on Articles 21 and 24 of the African Charter relating to Extractive Industries, Human Rights and the Environment but could not do so because at that day I had technical faults with my internet.
SECTION III - SITUATION ANALYSIS OF ECOSOC RIGHTS ON THE CONTINENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PART I: SITUATION ANALYSIS OF ECOSOC RIGHTS ON THE CONTINENT
35. During the inter-session period, in my capacity as the Chairperson of the Working Group on ECOSOC Rights in Africa, I monitored economic, social and cultural trends in State parties to the African Charter. The following trends that may have huge impacts on the economies of States parties and affect the realization of ECOSOC rights on our continent, caught my attention:
Right to Property – Article 14
36. The Commission is deeply concerned with the discrimination on the right to property faced by women. Women should enjoy their full rights in inheritance, ownership and management of property in accordance with the law. Article II of the Maputo Protocol provides for the elimination of discrimination against women while article VI (j) provides the right to acquire and to administer and manage property freely in marriage.
37. The African Charter provides for freedom from discrimination of any kind . State parties are urged to ensure the elimination of all kinds of discrimination in relation to the right to property. All persons should freely enjoy their right to property and inheritance in accordance with the law. Women should be able to freely own, manage and dispose their property without any bias.
Right to Work – Article 15
38. It is estimated that by 2050, about 72.6 million new jobs for sub-Saharan Africa’s young people will be needed. The ILO report warns of an African “youthquake” unless the continent creates new jobs. As highlighted in the ILO report, sub-Saharan Africa already shows a youth unemployment rate of 8.9%, and only a small minority of young adults get what would qualify as a “decent job”. As highlighted in the ILO report, without many options, Africa’s young people are turning to insecure work. Nearly three in four working young adults in sub-Saharan Africa are in insecure work; one in three paid workers earns less than the median wage .
39. There is a consensus among policymakers in Africa that high unemployment, especially among youth, is a major impediment to inclusive growth. A recent Afrobarometer survey (Round 9) underscores this concern, revealing that 40 percent of African youth identify unemployment as the primary issue that governments should address. However, labor statistics on the continent indicate a more complex situation, where the quality of jobs is a greater concern than their quantity. Quality or decent jobs refers to employment that is “fair, dignified, stable, and secure”, as opposed to vulnerable employment. Current estimates place the unemployment rate on the continent at 11.6%, while vulnerable employment reaches as high as 80% in several countries .
40. Article 15 of the African Charter provides the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions as well as the guarantee of equal pay for equal work. The said equitable and satisfactory conditions do not only refer to the physical environment, but also the terms and conditions of the contract. It is the State’s prerogative to ensure that it lays down principles and guidelines to direct employers in determining the work conditions of their employees.
41. States also has the duty to ensure that marginalized groups such as women and persons with disabilities are not only given equal opportunities, but also equitable and satisfactory conditions.
Right to Health – Article 16
42. The Mpox outbreak remains a global concern. The Democratic Republic of Congo faces high levels of risk especially among refugees and internally displaced communities. The Commission calls upon governments to ensure the full realization of the right to health by taking all necessary measures to ensure the prevention of the outbreak of diseases including the timely administration of vaccines .
43. States parties are urged to minimize the spread of such outbreaks by ensuring safe and sanitary conditions for all including for refugees and internally displaced persons. States should provide as much aid and support as they can to ensure that these marginalized groups enjoy the full realization of their human rights.
44. The Commission notes and commends the fourteen states – Botswana, Cabo Verde, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania for making commitments of support to WHO . These commitments demonstrates their concerned about regional and global health issues. The Commission takes this opportunity to urge all States parties to fulfill all commitments and renew efforts in ensuring the full realization of the right to health, and all other rights enshrined in the African Charter within their jurisdictions.
Right to Education – Article 17
45. As the African Union’s theme of the year 2024, is on the Right to Education, various regions of the African continent experience crisis, either natural occurrences or conflict regions. Children found in such emergency situations have been deprived of their right to education, among other rights . According to UNICEF, as at December 2023, almost 46 million school-aged children across Eastern and Southern Africa were out of school. Africa has high rates of poverty learning; Sub-Saharan African ranked the highest in the world with 9 out of 10 children unable to read and understand a simple story by the age of 10 .
46. Access to quality education is a crucial foundation for human capital development and economic prosperity. However, the inability of the African education system to meet global standards has had a detrimental impact on educational outcomes and, consequently, on the earning potential of graduates. Data from the UNESCO Institute of Statistics reveals that 5 literacy rates of the African youth stands at 77%, compared to the global youth literacy rate of 95%. Additionally, the disparity in gender gap in education is more significant in Africa compared to other regions. While the global difference between male and female literacy rates is 2 percentage points, in Africa, males exceed females by 4 points, indicating the barriers faced by girls in accessing education. These poor educational outcomes among African youth significantly impact their employment prospects, reducing their chances of securing decent jobs due to their inadequate education and skills levels .
47. South Africa has made great strides in ensuring the right to education by the signing of a new law, which, among others, makes one year of pre-primary education compulsory . The law further addresses language and policy admission requirements, tearing down barriers to ensuring access to education for all. This law is highly applaudable as it demolishes discriminating factors and ensures all children in South Africa have equal access to education.
48. To ensure the full realization of the right to education, education must be accessible, available, acceptable and adaptable. Aware that education in Africa is beyond the four walls of the classroom; in providing for the right to education, the African Charter also provides for the free participation in the cultural life of the community and the promotion and protection of morals and traditional values recognized by the community as the duty of the State. State are therefore urged to adopt laws and policies which ensure the preservation of cultural morals and values.
Social Protection & Social Security
49. Social protection provides benefits to individuals based on risks faced across the life cycle (e.g., unemployment, disability, maternity) and to those suffering from general poverty and social exclusion. This can reduce vulnerable employment by providing opportunities for job search and skill upgrades. Data from the ILO, which examines the share of the population with at least one social protection benefit, shows that less than 30 percent of the population in selected countries have access to any form of social protection. This highlights the significant gap in social protection access on the continent .
50. I therefore urge States to sign and ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security, and ensure that citizens right to social protection and social security are fulfilled.
PART II: Opportunities seized by the Working Group
51. In view of the above concerns raised, the Working Group is already engaging with partners in discussions on practical steps towards protection of ECOSOC rights as enshrined in the African Charter. The Working Group has also placed advocacy with States parties and relevant partners, on the concerns raised, on its priority list.
52. Resolution ACHPR/Res. 446 (LXVI) 2020 mandated the Working Group to conduct a Joint Study on the Right to Health and its Financing in Africa in collaboration with UNAIDS. The “draft Study is yet to be finalised for adoption by the Commission.
53. The Working Group on ECOSOC Rights and the Working Group on Extractive Industries were also mandated by the Commission to undertake a study on climate change and human rights pursuant to resolution ACHPR/Res. 342(LVIII) 2016. The draft Study is finalised and will be presented to the Commission at this current Session for adoption and publication thereafter.
54. Furthermore, pursuant to ACHPR/Res.561 (LXXV) 2023, the Working Group was tasked by the Commission, to work in collaboration with its partners to develop a Study on ‘Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and National Sustainable Development Processes in Africa’. The Working Group in partnership with DIHR, NANHRI and CHR have developed a draft Study and which is currently in the consultation process.
55. In line with ACHPR.Res.579(LXXVIII)2024 Resolution on the Development of Guidelines on the Protection of the Rights of Workers in the Informal Economy Sector in Africa, the Commission tasked the Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa, to develop Guidelines on the Protection of the Rights of Workers in the Informal Economy; together with Model Law(s) to regulate different occupations in the informal economy; and to work in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa and other stakeholders in the drafting of the Guidelines and Model Law(s). The Working Group in partnership with Solidarity Centre has commenced work and reveiwed the discussion document on the subject matter.
56. I utilised opportunities given by my engagements mentioned in the present report, as Chairperson of the Working Group, to advocate and participate in discourses that would popularise the newly adopted subsidiary human rights instruments - the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security and the General Comment 7 on State Obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in the Context of Private Provision of Social Services.
PART III: CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
To States parties:
i. take legislative and other measures for the full realization of economic, social and cultural rights in accordance with the African Charter;
ii. sign, ratify and domesticate the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security;
iii. develop social protection programmes that ensure that every citizen has equal access to adequate, affordable and quality health care;
iv. regulate activities of non-state actors/private actors that provide socio- economic related services;
v. create employment opportunities invest particularly in women and the youth;
vi. ensure access to housing and shelter by all including the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in society;
vii. ensure access to education for all, at every level of the education system;
viii. reform healthcare systems and provide access to health care including adequate and effective healthcare facilities and services for all;
ix. take measures and put in place access to water, sanitation and other basic health care necessities to the public, as conditions for safeguarding health and life;
x. take measures to ensure the full enjoyment of the right to food including quality food that meets the requirement of nutritional standards;
xi. develop action plans towards preventing and combating the negative consequences of climate change;
xii. enact policies that will discourage deforestation and forest degradations, reduce emissions that impact on health, and bring agricultural reforms that will result in increased food production;
xiii. ensure all national development plans including monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of such plans, are human rights driven and take into account their obligations under the African Charter, Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals;
xiv. make use of the Commission’s Principles and Guidelines on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, the State Reporting Guidelines for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the African Charter (the Tunis Reporting Guidelines); Declaration of the Pretoria Seminar on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa; the Guidelines on the Right to Water in Africa; General Comment No. 7: State obligations under the African Charter and in the context of Private Provision of Social Services and other regional and international human rights norms; and
xv. authorize promotion missions by the Commission, in line with Article 45(1) of the African Charter.
Civil Society Organisations and other partners:
i. Continue to collaborate and support advocacy efforts at the national, sub-regional and continental levels to implement economic, social and cultural rights; and
ii. Provide support to the Working Group on Economic Social and Cultural Rights in Africa, to enable it to effectively implement its mandate.
To all Stakeholders:
57. States parties, National Human Rights Institutions, Non-governmental organisations and all other partners in mobilising efforts and resources towards projects that will translate into enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights in the African countries where they operate.
Conclusion:
58. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all the Members and Expert Members of the Working Group in the execution of our mandate. I would also like to extend profound appreciation to all our partners for their continued support and call for a continuous collaboration in promoting and protecting Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa.
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