The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) held its 81st Ordinary Session from 17 October to 6 November 2024 in Banjul, The Gambia:
Recalling its mandate of promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa, pursuant to Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Considering the absolute and non-derogable character of the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, guaranteed by Article 5 of the African Charter;
Recalling its Resolution on the Guidelines and Measures for the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture, Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Africa (Robben Island Guidelines), adopted at its 32nd Ordinary Session held from 17 to 23 October 2002 in Banjul, The Gambia;
Recalling further the establishment, in 2004, of the Robben Island Guidelines Follow-up Committee to promote the implementation of the Guidelines;
Also recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res.158 (XLVI) 09 on the change of name of the Robben Island Guidelines Follow-up Committee to the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa (the Committee);
Bearing in mind Resolutions ACHPR/Res.120 (XXXXII) 07, ACHPR/Res.192 (L) 2011, ACHPR/Res.254 (LIV) 2013, ACHPR/Res.322 (LVII) 2015, ACHPR/Res.387 (LXI) 2017, ACHPR/Res.425 (LXV) 2019, ACHPR/Res.426 (LXV) 2019 and ACHPR/Res.461 (LXVI) 2020 / ACHPR/Res.535 (LXXIII) 2022, which over the years, established the legal framework for the Committee's existence and functioning;
Noting with appreciation the work accomplished by the Committee under the leadership of Commissioner Hatem Essaiem and all his predecessors in carrying out their mandates;
Considering that the mandate of the Chairperson and of the other Commissioners, members of the Committee, has expired;
Bearing in mind the rules governing the establishment and procedures of the Special Mechanisms of the Commission (the Rules on Special Mechanisms), adopted at its 27th Extraordinary Session held from 19 February to 4 March 2020, in Banjul, The Gambia;
Noting in particular the guidelines set out in the Rules on Special Mechanisms, including the role and responsibilities of mandate-holders in general, the composition of mechanisms, the appointment of members and the duration of their mandate, and the code of conduct for mandate-holders;
Further noting the decisions adopted at this 81st Ordinary Session on the assignment of responsibilities among the Commissioners;
Decides to:
i. Renew the mandate of Commissioner Hatem Essaiem as Chairperson of the Committee for a period of two (2) years;
ii. Renew the mandate of Commissioner Idrissa Sow as Vice-Chairperson of the Committee for a period of two (2) years;
iii. Renew the mandate of Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela as Member for a period of two (2) years;
iv. Renew the mandate of the following expert members for a period of two (2) years:
- Mrs Sanaa Bousbih (North Africa); and
- Mrs Onyema Afulukwe (West Africa);
v. Appoint the following expert members for a period of two (2) years:
- Mrs Clairette Sylvie Mankenstop Wamba (Central Africa) ;
- Mrs Albab Tesfaye Ayalew (East Africa)
- Ms. Chikondi Chijozi (Southern Africa)
Done in Banjul, The Gambia on 6 November 2024
