Resolution Re-Appointing and Appointing the Chairperson and Other Members of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities In Africa - ACHPR/Res.200(L)2011

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Commission), meeting at its 50th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia from 24^th October to 5^th November 2011;

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);

Bearing in mind the African Union Policy Framework and Plan of Action on Ageing in which “States Parties recognized the fundamental rights of older persons and committed themselves to abolish all forms of discrimination based on age," and also committed themselves "To ensure that the rights of older persons are protected by appropriate legislation, including the right to organize themselves in groups and the right to representation in order to advance their interest;”

Recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res.106 (XXXXI) 07 of 30 May 2007, on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, adopted at its 41^st Ordinary Session held from 16-30 May 2007, in Accra, Ghana;

Recalling its Resolution ACHPR/Res.118 (XXXXII), on the Appointment of a Focal Point on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, that was adopted at the 42^nd Ordinary Session held from 15 - 28 November 2007, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo;

Recalling further its Resolution ACHPR/Res.143 (XXXXV) 09, transforming the Focal Point on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa into a Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities;

Considering that the African Charter makes specific provisions for the protection of these rights, under Article 18(4), which stipulates that "The aged and the disabled shall also have the right to special measures of protection in keeping with their physical or moral needs;”

Considering further paragraph 20 of the Kigali Declaration, which "calls upon States Parties to develop a Protocol on the protection of the rights of the elderly and people with disabilities;"

Bearing in mind the mandate of the Focal Point which includes, among others, “Spearheading the process of drafting a Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons for submission to the AU Policy Organs for consideration and adoption as soon as possible;”

Appreciating the work of the Focal Point in advocating for a rights-based approach towards protecting the rights of older persons;

Considering the mandate assigned to the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and People with Disabilities, and to facilitate the process of drafting the Protocol on Ageing, ensuring compliance by States Parties with the recommendations contained in the AU Policy Framework and Plan of Action on Ageing;

Considering the Draft Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons presented by the Working Group on the Rights of Older Person and People With Disabilities in Africa to the African Commission during the 48^th Ordinary Session held from 10 to 28 November 2010, in Banjul The Gambia;

Considering further the ongoing review work on the Draft Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons and the work undertaken so far on the rights of people with disabilities in Africa;

Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res.189 (XLIX) 2011 adopted during the 49^th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia from 28^th April to 12^th May 2011 increasing the number of experts of the Working Group to effectively implement its mandate;

Recognising the good work and achievement of the Chairperson and members of the Working Group, especially with regards to the Draft Protocol on Older Persons which is nearing completion; 

Considering that the two year mandate of the Chairperson and other expert members of the Working Group on Older Persons and People With Disabilities in Africa has come to an end;

Considering the necessity to allow the Working Group on Older Persons and People With Disabilities in Africa to continue to carrying out its mandate and address the urgent issues falling within its mandate;

DECIDES the following;

1. Re-appoints Commissioner Yeung Kam John Sik Yuen - Chairperson;
2. Re-appoints Commissioner Reine Alapini Gansou - Member;
3. Appoints Commissioner Faith Pansy Tlakula - Member;
4. Re-appoints Tavengwa Machekano Nhongo - Member;
5. Re-appoints Mr. Papa Malick Fall - Member; and
6. Re-appoints Ms Nadia Abdel-Wahab El-Afify - Member.

 Done In Banjul, The Gambia On 05^th NOVEMBER 2011