The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Commission), meeting at its 80th Ordinary Session, held virtually from 24 July to 02 August 2024:
Recalling its responsibility to safeguard and advance human and peoples' rights in Africa as outlined in Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), which includes the duty of the African Commission to “undertake studies and research on African problems in the field of human and peoples’ rights;”
Further recalling the African Commission’s mandate to develop norms and standards that guide States Parties in fulfilling their obligations under the African Charter and its Protocols;
Considering Article 9 of the African Charter, which guarantees the right to express and disseminate opinions and receive information freely within the boundaries of the law;
Recognizing Article 4 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol), which prohibits all forms of violence against women in private or public spaces;
Furthermore, recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res. 522 (LXXII) 2022 on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa, which urges States to take measures to eliminate violence against women on digital platforms;
Acknowledging that for States to address digital violence against women effectively, they require sufficient information and evidence concerning the nature and extent of the issue;
Mindful of the fact that this evidence varies across different regions of the continent due to contextual differences;
Recognising the lack of adequate information on the continent regarding the ever-evolving developments in the digital realm and how they contribute to violence against women;
THE COMMISSION:
- Commits to conduct a one-year continental study on the underlying causes, manifestations, and impacts of digital violence against women in Africa to inform the development of comprehensive norms and standards to assist States Parties in addressing these violations.
- Decides to task the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa to undertake the study on digital violence against women in Africa.
- Appeals to all stakeholders to cooperate with the Special Rapporteurs to support this study.
Done virtually, on 2 August 2024
