The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), meeting at its 65th Ordinary Session held from 21 October to 10 November 2019, in Banjul, The Gambia:
Recalling that Members of the Commission are appointed on the basis of being amongst African personalities of the highest reputation, known for their high morality, integrity, impartiality and competence in matters of human and peoples’ rights, as stated under Article 31 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter);
Also recalling that in terms of its procedure, the Commission may resort to any appropriate method of investigation and may hear from any person capable of enlightening it (Article 46 of the African Charter);
Mindful of the vast knowledge and expertise that Commissioners acquire during their terms as Members of the Commission, both in relation to the substantive work as well as the operational elements of the Commission;
Having regard to the extensive scope of the African Commission’s mandate under Article 45 the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter), in promoting and ensuring protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa, as well as interpreting the African Charter;
Considering the practice of inclusion of African experts in Special Mechanisms of the Commission such as Working Groups and Committees;
The Commission:
Decides to make use of the expertise of former Commissioners in the course of the implementation of its promotion and protection mandates, in the same way that it relies on other experts.
Done in Banjul, 10 November 2019
