Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in Africa - ACHPR/Res.14(XVI)94

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights meeting at its Sixteenth Ordinary Session held from 25 October to 3 November, 1994 in Banjul, The Gambia;

Acknowledging that the human rights situation in many African countries is characterised by the violations of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights;

Alarmed by the possible resurgence of the illegal seizure of the reins of government in Africa;

Expressing concern over the persistent situation of refugees and internally displaced persons affecting the African Continent,

Seriously concerned with the continuous restrictions imposed on the right of freedom of expression by the arrest of journalists and the closure of newspapers in some African countries;

Considering that the persistent economic crisis in Africa has aggravated the human rights situation of vulnerable groups in African societies, in particular women and children;

Also concerned with the consequences of persistent wars in several African States, on the civilian population, which prevent the realisation of the right to development;

Bearing in mind its role under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to ensure the protection of Human and Peoples’ Rights:

1. CONDEMNS the planning or execution of Coup d’Etats and any attempt to seize power by undemocratic means;
2. CALLS UPON all African Governments to ensure that elections and electoral processes are transparent and fair;
3. URGES all African countries to adopt appropriate means to stop the phenomenon of refugees and internally displaced persons affecting the continent;
4. CONDEMNS all attempts at restricting the right to freedom of expression;
5. CALLS UPON all African Governments to adopt legislative and other measures to protect vulnerable groups of society, in particular women and children, against the consequences of the persistent economic crisis in Africa;
6. URGES all those parties engaged in war on the African continent, to abide by the provisions of International Humanitarian Law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and to undertake all efforts to restore peace.