24 May 2011, Banjul, The Gambia - The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Secretariat) wishes to inform the public that at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Central African Republic (the CAR), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission), will undertake a Mission to the CAR from 6 to 16 June 2011.
The said Mission, which is part of the African Commission’s promotion mandate, is being undertaken in accordance with Article 45(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The objective of the Mission is to, amongst other things; engage with relevant stakeholders, to exchange views on ways and means of enhancing the enjoyment of human rights in the country, and seek information on other human rights issues of particular concern to the African Commission.
The Mission will be undertaken by Honourable Commissioner Mohamed Béchir Khalfallah, Commissioner responsible for the promotion of human rights in the Republic of the CAR and Chairperson of the Working Group on ECOSOC Rights of the African Commission; Honourable Commissioner Soyata Maiga, the African Commission’s Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, and Honourable Commissioner Lucy Asuagbor, the African Commission’s Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa. The Commissioners will be accompanied by staff of the Secretariat.
During the Mission, the delegation of the African Commission will meet with officials from the relevant government ministries, civil society organisations, a cross-section of human rights actors in the country, as well as other individuals and institutions capable of enlightening the African Commission on the human rights situation in the CAR.
At the end of the Mission, the preliminary findings will be discussed with the relevant authorities in the Government of the Republic of the CAR, and a Press Conference will also be held. Thereafter, a Report of the Mission will be tabled before the next Ordinary Session of the African Commission, for consideration and adoption.
For further information, please contact:
The Secretariat of the African Commission
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District
Western Region.
PO Box 673 Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: 220 4410505/6
Fax: 220 4410504
E-mail: achpr@achpr.org or konelass1@yahoo.fr or irenedesire@yahoo.com
