Virtual Session
12 to 19 July 2021
1.The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) held its 33rd Extra-Ordinary Session (the Session), from 12 to 19 July 2021, virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2.The Session was chaired by Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, Chairperson of the Commission, assisted by Honourable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Vice-Chairperson.
3.The following Members of the Commission participated in the Session:
i.Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, Chairperson;
ii.Honourable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Vice Chairperson;
iii.Honourable Commissioner Maya Sahli-Fadel;
iv.Honourable Commissioner Jamesina Essie L. King;
v.Honourable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem;
vi.Honourable Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela;
vii.Honourable Commissioner Mudford Zachariah Mwandenga; and
viii.Honourable Commissioner Marie Louise Abomo.
4.Honourable Commissioner Alexia Gertrude Amesbury was absent with apologies.
5.The Commission considered and adopted its agenda, with amendments.
6.The Commission considered and adopted the following:
i.Strategy and Practical Measures for the Organization of Promotion Missions in the Context of the Pandemic and Suspension of Travel by the African Union;
ii.Background Study on the Operations of the Extractive Industries Sector in Africa and its Impacts on the Realisation of Human and Peoples’ Rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
iii.Report of the Working Group on Communications;
iv.Report on Administrative Seizures;
v.Practice Directives of the 2020 Rules of Procedure of the Commission; and
vi.Memorandum on Improving the Performance and Satisfactory Implementation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its Rules of Procedure by Members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
7.The Commission considered and made comments on the following:
i.Paper on Strategies to Improve the Working Modalities of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
ii.The Implementation Plan of the ACHPR 2021-2025 Strategic Plan;
iii.Update on the status of readiness for the 69th Ordinary Session; and
iv.Update on the annual statutory meeting with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
8.The Commission held a closed session meeting where matters arising from the Report of the Secretary to the Commission, which was submitted to the 68th Ordinary Session, were discussed.
9.The Commission considered and adopted one (1) Communication on the Merits and one (1) Communication on Admissibility.
10.The Commission considered and adopted four (4) Resolutions, namely:
i.Resolution on the need for better protection of women sentenced to death;
ii.Resolution on the Respect for the Principle of Non-Refoulement of Asylum Seekers and Refugees;
iii.Resolution on the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the prevention of genocide and genocide denial and revisionism; and
iv.Resolution on missing migrants and refugees in Africa and the impact on their families.
12.The Commission will hold its 69th Ordinary Session from 15 November to 06 December 2021.
Done on 19 July 2021
