Banjul, The Gambia - The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Secretariat) wishes to inform the general public that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), following the acceptance of its request by the Kingdom of Lesotho, will be undertaking a promotion mission to the Kingdom of Lesotho from 8 to 13 October 2018.
The mission will be undertaken by Honourable Commissioner Yeung Kam John Yeung Sik Yuen; Commissioner in charge of the promotion and protection of human rights in the Kingdom of Lesotho and Chairperson of the Commission’s Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa. Honourable Commissioner Yeung Kam John Yeung Sik Yuenwill be accompanied by technical staff of the African Union posted at the Secretariat of the Commission.
The objectives of this Mission which is carried out in accordance with Article 45(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), include amongst others, to:
- Promote the African Charter and all other international human rights instruments;
- Strengthen the collaboration between the Commission and the authorities of the Kingdom of Lesotho in relation to the promotion and protection of rights guaranteed under the African Charter as well as under other relevant international human rights instrument ;
- Engage dialogue with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho with regards to legislative measures and other measures taken to implement provisions of the African Charter and other human rights instruments ratified by the Kingdom of Lesotho;
- Raise awareness and visibility of the Commission in Lesotho, especially among the relevant Government departments and civil society;
- Exchange views and share experiences with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and with other stakeholders working on human rights in the country, on strategies aiming at improving the enjoyment of human rights
- To follow up on recommendations arising from the Concluding Observations adopted by the Commission following its examination of Lesotho’s initial Report submitted in accordance with the latter’s obligations under Article 62 of the African Charter in 2001;
- To encourage Lesotho to bring to date its Periodic Reports in accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter; and;
- Follow up on recommendations made by the Commission in its Report on the Promotion Mission undertaken from 3rd to 7th September 2012.
During the Mission, the Delegation of the Commission will meet with officials from relevant Government ministries, civil society organisations, and a cross-section of human rights actors in the country, as well as other individuals and institutions who may enlighten the Commission on the general human rights situation in the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The Commission will also visit Maseru Correctional institution so as to assess the extent to which conditions of detention comply with regional and international standards and to hold discussions with Prison Administrative Officials and other stakeholders on all issues relating to detention and prisons.
At the end of the Mission, the Delegation will hold a Press Conference to share its preliminary conclusions regarding the human rights situation in the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The report of the Mission will be tabled before the Commission for consideration and adoption at one of its upcoming Sessions of the Commission.
For further information, please contact:
The Secretariat of the Commission
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District
Western Region.
P.O Box 673 Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: 220 4410505/6; 2304361
Fax: 220 4410504
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org
