17 September 2012, Banjul, The Gambia – The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (the Secretariat), wishes to inform the general public that at the request of the Executive Council of the African Union and at the invitation of the Government of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), will undertake a Fact Finding Mission to SADR from 24 – 28 September 2012.
The mission is being undertaken within the framework of the protective mandate of the Commission and will have as objective, to investigate human rights violations in the Occupied Territories, the Liberated Territories and refugee camps of SADR, especially as these pertain to the right to self-determination of the Sahwari people as well as the rights to freedom of association, press, expression and movement.
The Mission will be led by Commissioners Dupe Atoki Chairperoson of the Commission, accompanied by Commissioners Mohamed Bechir Khalfallah, Reine Alapini Gansou, Soyata Maiga, Med Kaggwa and Maya Sahli Fadel.
During the mission, the Commission delegation will meet with the authorities of the SADR, civil society organizations, aid organizations, as well as individuals and institutions capable of enlightening it on issues of relevance to the mission.
At the end of the Mission, the preliminary findings will be discussed with the relevant authorities and a press conference will be held. Thereafter, a Report of the Mission will be elaborated and tabled before the Commission for 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/ 4410506
Email: au-banjul@africa-union.org
