The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Commission), meeting at its 81st Ordinary Session, held in Banjul, The Republic of The Gambia from 17 October to 6 November 2024:
Recalling its mandate to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in Africa under Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Acknowledging its previous Resolutions on the importance of preserving and promoting Indigenous languages for the advancement of human rights and the protection of cultural diversity, including Resolution ACHPR/Res.79 (XXX1) 2002 on the Use of Indigenous Languages and Cultures in Africa and Resolution ACHPR/Res.275 (LV) 2014 on the Protection and Promotion of Indigenous Languages in Africa;
Considering the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in fostering economic integration and development across the continent;
Noting the diverse linguistic landscape in Africa and the need to ensure that use of local language is encouraged to facilitate learning as well communication for trade and commerce at cross-border level.
Reiterating the importance of cultural context in general and knowledge preservation in particular through Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), embedded in the use of local language as well as fostering inclusivity and effective participation of all individual communities including in the AfCFTA’s implementation process;
Reaffirming the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and other relevant international human rights instruments;
Recognizing that indigenous languages carry the richness of traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and systems of governance, which contribute to sustainable development and the promotion of African identities;
Taking into account the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering social cohesion, inclusive development, and the promotion of cultural rights;
Recalling that the African Union theme for the Year 2023 was “Accelerating the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”;
Emphasizing the pivotal role of indigenous languages in ensuring effective communication, understanding, and engagement among individuals and communities involved in the implementation of the AfCFTA;
THE COMMISSION:
i. Calls upon State Parties to the African Union (AU) to enhance the use of indigenous languages in national curriculum and ensure access of ACFTA documents and information in local languages.
ii. Urges States Party to prioritize the promotion and preservation of Indigenous languages through policies and programs in education, media, and public administration.
iii. Invites States Party to allocate resources for the documentation, digitization, and dissemination of indigenous languages in various sectors including at cross-boarders.
iv. Encourages collaboration with indigenous language speakers and communities in promoting the use of indigenous languages, including the provision of language training programs.
v. Calls upon the African Union Member States to support research, translation efforts, and awareness campaigns on the importance of indigenous languages in the AfCFTA.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia on 6th November 2024
