The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights wishes to inform the general public that, at the invitation of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tomé and Principe, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) will undertake its first ever Promotion Mission to the Democratic Republic of Sao-Tomé and Principe from the 1st to the 4th October 2019.
This 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 African Charter). The objectives of the Mission include: to promote the African Charter and other regional and international human rights instruments, strengthen relations between the Commission and the Democratic Republic of Sao-Tomé and Principe, initiate the process to enable the Democratic Republic of Sao Tomé and Principe to be up to date with its obligations regarding the submission of State periodic reports, engage with relevant stakeholders, exchange views on ways and means of enhancing the enjoyment of human rights in the country, and seek information on human rights issues of particular concern to the Commission. This maiden mission of the Commission to this country is expected to improve the participation of all relevant stakeholders in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tomé and Principe, including the Government and Civil Society Organizations in the work and activities of the Commission.
The Commission’s delegation will be composed of Honourable Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela, Commissioner Rapporteur on the Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and Special Rapporteur on Prisons, Conditions of Detention and Policing in Africa; and Honourable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem, Chairperson of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa.
During the Mission, the delegation will meet with officials from relevant Government ministries, the national human rights institution, civil society organisations, a cross-section of human rights actors in the country, and other stakeholders who may enlighten the Commission on the general human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tomé and Principe.
At the end of the mission, the delegation will discuss its preliminary findings with relevant authorities in the Government and a press conference will be held. A Report of the Mission will be tabled before the Commission for consideration and adoption at one of its sessions.
Done in Banjul, 24th September 2019
For further information, please contact:
The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
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
