The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Commission or ACHPR), meeting at its 42nd Ordinary Session held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from 15 - 28 November 2007:
Recalling its mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Recalling its Resolution ACHPR/ 69(XXXV) 04 of 4 June 2004 on the protection of human rights defenders in Africa adopted at the 35th Ordinary Session held from 21st May - 4th June 2004, in Banjul, The Gambia;
Recalling its Resolution 83(XXXVIII) 05 of 5 December 2005 on the appointment of a special rapporteur on human rights defenders in Africa; adopted at the 38th Ordinary Session held from 21st November - 5th December 2005 in Banjul, The Gambia;
Bearing in mind its mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
Mindful that in the Grand Bay (Mauritius) Declaration and Plan of Action, the Organization of African Unity (African Union) called on Member States “to take appropriate steps to implement the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa”;
Considering that the term of Mme Reine Alapini-Gansou as Special Rapporteur comes to an end on 5 December 2007;
Considering the report of the Special Rapporteur;
Noting with appreciation the work she has done as Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa since her appointment in 2005,
Emphasizing The importance of the work of the Special Rapporteur as regards the search for solutions to the problems arising from the protection of human rights defenders;
Considering the necessity to allow the Special Rapporteur on Human rights Defenders in Africa to continue to carry out its mandate as contained in resolution ACHPR/ 69(XXXV) 04,
Decides to renew Commissioner Reine Alapini-Gansou as Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa for a period of two (2) years effective 28 November 2007.
Done in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 28 November 2007.
