Annual report of the ACHPR focal point on reprisals in Africa
Deadline: 15 December 2023 on either thematic trends and patterns or individual cases
Reporting period: submissions on incidents which took place from 12 May 2014 [ACHPR resolution 273 Resolution on Extending the Scope of the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa was adopted at the 55th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights held in Luanda, Angola, from 28 April to 12 May 2014. Hereinafter, the annual report will cover the prior year.] up to 15 December 2023.
NB: this is not a duplication from the previous call for input of 12 May 2020, it is rather to ensure that all cases identified since the May 2020 call for submissions are also included in the forthcoming report to be presented at the 79th Ordinary Session.
More information: To learn more about the work of the mandate of the ACHPR focal point on reprisals and what to expect when reporting cases, see the Fact Sheet on reprisals in Africa and the template to submit cases of reprisals
The annual report of the ACHPR focal point on reprisals will summarize main trends and contain the cases brought to the attention of the focal point, with the decision to include cases made on the basis of the principles of do no harm and informed consent.
We would welcome contributions on either thematic trends and patterns or individual cases occurring up to 15 December 2023 to au-banjul@africa-union.org by copying the following addresses: africancommission@yahoo.com and BagonaA@africa-union.org
Guidelines for submission of Cases
Before submitting your case information, please ensure that there is a direct link between the reported incident and the cooperation with the African human rights system, namely reprisals or intimidation against those who:
(a) Seek to cooperate or have cooperated with the African human rights system, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights, or who have provided testimony or information to them;
(b) Avail or have availed themselves of procedures established under the auspices of the African human rights system for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and all those who have provided legal or other assistance to them for this purpose;
(c) Submit or have submitted communications under procedures established by human rights instruments, and all those who have provided legal or other assistance to them for this purpose;
(d) Are relatives of victims of human rights violations or of those who have provided legal or other assistance to victims.
Refer also to ACHPR resolution 273 adopted at the 55th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights held in Luanda, Angola, from 28 April to 12 May 2014.
Guidelines for submission of general trends and thematic issues
You may also consider submitting analysis, observations and input to the report on patterns and trends during the reporting period, including any changes observed from previous years (e.g. increase or decrease of cases recorded in a specific community or measures taken against a specific group). A summary of trends in a specific country or region can be submitted in addition to case information. You may also wish to submit thematic observations – e.g. gender-related intimidation and reprisals, the specific experiences of women or other vulnerable groups.
