Closing Remarks by the Chairperson of the African
Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
Honorable Commissioner Justice Sanji Mmasenono
Monageng, Delivered at the Closing Ceremony of the
5Th Extra-Ordinary Session of the African
Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
Honorable Secretary of State for Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of The Gambia,
Honorable Members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps,
Secretary to the Commission and staff ,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am always humbled to stand in front of this august audience to speak on behalf of the Members and staff of the African Commission on Human Peoples’ Rights. I wish to thank all of you for coming to the 5th Extra-Ordinary Session holding here in Banjul the Gambia, to help us finalize the Rules of procedure of the Commission, and consider some of the Communications
before us.
Honorable Attorney General, in my own name and in the name of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, I have the honor to convey to you, to your Government and People of The Gambia, heartfelt thanks for hosting the 5th Extra Ordinary Session of the African Commission. I want to inform you that we have had very fruitful discussions.
For the past 9 days, the Commission has undertaken intensive deliberations of its Rules of Procedure. We were able to finalize all of the rules with a view to harmonizing them with those of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights sometime this year. This I must say is a giant step forward to the work of the Commission. In that regard we have been able to give effect to the Executive Council decision given at the13th Ordinary Session, which urged the Commission to expedite and finalize its revised Rules of Procedure for harmonization with the Rules of Procedure of the African Court.
Please allow me to pay tribute to my fellow Commissioners for the important contribution they have made during the last nine days. The debates have been intense and sometimes prolonged, but it has been worth it. Thank you very much my fellow Commissioners. My hope is that this exercise will contribute in achieving a human rights landscape where the protection of human rights is further strengthened.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Before I leave this podium, I would like to reiterate my profound gratitude to the Government and People of the Gambia for all the facilities put at the disposal of the Commission, enabling a successful 5th Extra-Ordinary Session, in spite of their other national commitments.
I also want to reserve some special thanks to our external collaborators, Members of Working Group on specific issues, who were here with us working tirelessly on the Rules. Their dedication and contribution have been very helpful to our work.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Commission. To the drivers who have graciously taken us from points A to B a very big thank you. The management and staff of the Jerma Beach Hotel have ensured that we were served delicious meals and always with a smile and I congratulate you
and express our sincere appreciation. To the interpreters and translators without whom the work of this Commission would not move I salute you.
