Resolution on the Appointment of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa - ACHPR/Res.205(L)2011

The African Commission, meeting at its 50^th Ordinary Session held from 24^th October to 5^th November 2011 in Banjul, The Gambia

Recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res.38(XXXVIII)99, adopted at the 25^th Ordinary Session, held from 26 April to 5 May 1999 in Bujumbura, Burundi, establishing the Special Mechanism on the Rights of Women in Africa and appointing Commissioner Julienne Ondziel Gnelenga as Special Rapporteur;

Recalling also Article 18(3) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;

Further recalling the Commission’s decision passed at its 30^th Ordinary Session which was held from 17^th to 27^th October 2001 in Banjul, The Gambia, by which it appointed Commissioner Angela Melo as Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa; ACHPR/Res.63(XXXIV) 03, adopted at its 34^th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 6^th to 20^th November 2003; and ACHPR/Res.78(XXXVIII) 05, adopted at its 38^th Ordinary Session, held from 21^st November to 6^th December 2005 in Banjul, The Gambia, renewing Commissioner Melo’s mandate for a period of two years and Resolution No. ACHPR/Res.112(XXXXII)07 adopted at the 42^nd Ordinary Session held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from 15^th to 28^th November 2007 on the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa for a period of two years;

Bearing in mind the adoption and entry into force of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa;  

Considering the need to pursue the advocacy towards the ratification of the Protocol and its effective implementation by the States Parties and all other parties involved in the promotion and protection of human rights of women;

Recognizing the numerous challenges that women continue to face on the African Continent for the recognition, exercise and the enjoyment of their human rights;

Recognizing the considerable amount of work accomplished by Commissioner Soyata Maiga as Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa;

Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res154(XLVI)09, renewing the Mandate of the Commissioner Soyata Maiga, as Special Rapporteur, adopted during the 46^th Ordinary Session held from 11 to 24 November 2009 in Banjul, The Gambia;

Considering that the mandate of Commissioner Soyata Maiga has come to an end;

DECIDES to renew the mandate of Commissioner Soyata Maiga as Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa for a period of two years, effective 05 November 2011.

Done in Banjul, the Republic of Gambia, 05 November 2011