The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) meeting at its 57th Ordinary Session held from 04 to 18 November 2015, in Banjul, The Gambia:
Recalling its mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
Taking note of Resolution ACHPR/Res.38 (XXXVIII) 99, adopted at its 25th Ordinary Session, held from 26 April to 5 May 1999 in Bujumbura, Burundi, on the establishment of a Special Mechanism on the Rights of Women in Africa;
Further recalling its decision taken at its 30th Ordinary Session, held from 17 to 27 October 2001 in Banjul, The Gambia, to appoint the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa ; the Resolution ACHPR/Res.63(XXXIV) 03, adopted at its 34th Ordinary Session, held in Banjul, the Gambia, from 6 to 20 November 2003; the Resolution ACHPR/Res.78(XXXVIII) 05, adopted at its 38th Ordinary Session, held from 21 November to 6 December 2005 in Banjul, the Gambia, on the renewal of the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
Recalling also its Resolution ACHPR/Res.112(XXXXII) 07 adopted at the 42nd Ordinary Session, held from 15 to 28 November 2007 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on the appointment of Commissioner Soyata Maiga as the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa;
Further taking note of its Resolutions ACHPR/Res.154 (XLVI) 09, ACHPR/Res.205 (L) 11 and ACHPR/Res.245 (LIV) 13 on the renewal of the mandate of Commissioner Soyata Maiga as the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa;
Bearing in mind the adoption and entry into force of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol);
Considering General Comments on Article 14(1) (d) and (e) of the Maputo Protocol and General Comments No.2 on Article 14.1.a), b), c) et f) and Article 14.2.a) et c) of the Maputo Protocol;
Aware that many challenges confronting women on the African continent relate to the recognition, exercise and enjoyment of their human rights;
Considering the need to continue advocating for the ratification and implementation of the Maputo Protocol by States Parties on the Continent;
Recognizing the considerable amount of work done by Commissioner Soyata Maiga in her capacity as the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa since her appointment in 2007;
Considering that the mandate of Commissioner Soyata Maiga has come to an end;
Reaffirming the importance of the mechanism of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa;
Considering the need for the Special Mechanism to continue the implementation of its mandate;
Decides to appoint for two years Commissioner Lucy Asuagbor as the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, effective from 5 November 2015.
Adopted at the 57th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 4 to 18 November 2015
