21 August 2012, 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 Kingdom of Lesotho, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (“the Commission”), will undertake a Mission to the Kingdom of Lesotho from 3 to 7 September 2012.
The said Mission, which is part of the 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 Commission.
The Mission will be undertaken by Honourable Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, in her dual capacity as the Commissioner responsible for human rights in Lesotho and the Commission’s Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa. She will be accompanied by Honourable Commissioner Med S.K Kaggwa, in his capacity as Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Conditions of Detention in Africa.
During the Mission, the Commission delegation will meet with officials from the relevant Government ministries, civil society organizations, a cross-section of human rights actors in the country, as well as other individuals and institutions capable of enlightening the Commission on the general human rights situation in Lesotho, the status of freedom of expression and access to information, and that relating to prisons and conditions of detention.
At the end of the Mission, the preliminary findings will be discussed with the relevant authorities in the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and a Press Conference will also be held. Thereafter, a Report of the Mission will be tabled before the next Ordinary Session of the Commission, for consideration and adoption.
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
Fax: 220 4410504
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org; or irenedesire@yahoo.com
