The Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa (the Working Group) of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights extends its best wishes to the Member States of the African Union. It avails itself of this opportunity to commend all States Parties that have ratified and effectively deposited their instruments of ratification of the Protocols on the rights of vulnerable persons, which fall within the mandate of its Special Mechanism.
To date, fourteen (14) States have ratified and deposited instruments of ratification of the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, while thirteen (13) have ratified and deposited instruments of ratification of the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons. Accordingly, one (1) ratification followed by the effective deposit of the instrument of ratification remains to be obtained for the first Protocol and two (2) for the second Protocol.
The Working Group, while welcoming this strong commitment for inclusion on the part of African States, encourages States that have not yet done so, to ratify and deposit their instruments of ratification with the African Union Commission, in order to ensure that these two Protocols enter into force in 2024.
The Working Group also conveys its best wishes to all the non-governmental organisations and individuals working in Africa to ensure that the rights of older persons and persons with disabilities are promoted and preserved. It calls on them to demonstrate further determination and engagement, so that when the Protocols enter into force, they will provide support for the implementation of the provisions contained therein. This will undoubtedly contribute to the real and effective inclusion of all of Africa’s children, for the Africa we want, in line with Agenda 2063 and the African Union’s theme for 2024.
Banjul, 29 February 2024
For the Working Group, the Chairperson
Commissioner Marie-Louise ABOMO
