The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights meeting at its 38th Ordinary Session held from 21st November to 5th December 2005 in Banjul, The Gambia:
Recalling its mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
Recalling the Resolution on Freedom of Expression adopted at its 29th Ordinary Session held from 23rd April to 7th May 2001 in Tripoli, Libya, to initiate an appropriate mechanism to assist it in reviewing and monitoring adherence to standards of freedom of expression and to investigate violations and make appropriate recommendations to the African Commission;
Recalling the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted at its 32nd Ordinary Session held from 17th to 23 rd October 2002 in Banjul, The Gambia;
Recalling further the Resolution on the Mandate and Appointment of a Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted at its 36th Ordinary Session held from 23rd November to 7th December 2004 in Dakar, Senegal;
Reaffirming the commitment of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to promote the right to freedom of expression and monitor the implementation of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa within Member States of the African Union;
Considering that the term of Mr. Andrew Chigovera as a Member of the African Commission came to an end along with his mandate as Special Rapporteur on 21 November 2005;
Appreciating the work that Mr. Andrew Chigovera has done as Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression;
Decides to appoint Commissioner Faith Pansy Tlakula as the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa for a period of two years effective 5th December 2005.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia, 5th December 2005.
