The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), meeting at its 46th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia from 11 to 25 November 2009, established the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa (the Working Group), by Resolution 148(XLVI)09, with the mandate to:
- Examine the impact of extractive industries in Africa within the context of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
- Research the specific issues pertaining to the right of all peoples to freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources and to a general satisfactory environment favorable to their development;
- Undertake research on the violations of human and peoples’ rights by non-state actors in Africa;
- Request, gather, receive and exchange information and materials from all relevant sources, including Governments, communities and organizations, on violations of human and peoples’ rights by non-state actors in Africa;
- Inform the Commission on the possible liability of non-state actors for human and peoples’ rights violations under its protective mandate;
- Formulate recommendations and proposals on appropriate measures and activities for the prevention and reparation of violations of human and peoples’ rights by extractive industries in Africa;
- Collaborate with interested donor institutions and NGOs, to raise funds for the Working Group’s activities; prepare a comprehensive report to be presented to the Commission.
In accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures on the Special Mechanisms of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, its mandate and Resolution ACHPR/Res. 459 (LXVI) 2020 on Renewal of the Mandate and Reconstitution of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa and on the Appointment of its Chairperson and Members, under which the mandate of the current members expires on the 1st of July 2022, the Working Group invites interested persons to submit their applications to serve as Independent Expert Members.
Candidates must be nationals of the Member States of the African Union and have proven experience and expertise in the field of human rights, in particular on issues relating to Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa. The term of office of the members of the Working Group shall be two (2) years.
Pursuant to this mandate, the Working Group hereby seeks applications from interested candidates for consideration to serve as independent expert members. The ideal candidates should, inter alia:
- Have experience and expertise on issues related to extractive industries and human rights abuse in Africa or in comparative contexts;
- Have proven advocacy and written skills;
- Be available to work for at least 5 hours per week;
- Be able to travel in discharging the Working Group’s mandate such as in country research and information missions, annual meetings, and representing the Working Group in activities related to its mandate;
- Speak English, French or Portuguese, the AU working languages (fluency in at least two being an asset).
Applications from suitable candidates should be sent to the Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights. Due to financial constraints at the Commission, this is a pro bono position and there will be no financial compensation for selected members, although the costs related to authorized work would however be covered in line with AU financial rules. Applications should be received no later than 27 July 2022, as the Commission intends to appoint the new members during its forthcoming 72nd Ordinary Session.
Applications should be accompanied by a cover letter and curriculum vitae, and should be sent to au-banjul@africa-union.org and africancommission@yahoo.com, or by post to the address below:
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
31 Bijilo Annex Layout,
Kombo North District, Western Region
P. O. Box 673 Banjul
The Gambia
