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134. Article 12 (1) and (2) of the Charter which are relevant to the case at hand
provides for the right of movement, states thus:
“1. Every individual shall have the right to freedom of movement and
residence within the borders of a State provided he abides by the law.
2. Every individual shall have the right to leave any country including his
own, and to return to his country. This right may only be subject to
restrictions, provided for by law for the protection of national security, law
and order, public health or morality.”
135. The right to freedom of movement is a fundamental right which envisages
that individuals are able to live, work and move freely within the borders
of a state; leave their state; and return to their state whenever they please
in accordance with the law. The African Commission succinctly put it
when it held that “Free movement is crucial for the protection and
promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Freedom of
movement and residence are two sides of the same coin.”
COMMUNICATION 279/03-296/05, SUDAN HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATION &
CENTRE ON HOUSING RIGHTS AND EVICTIONS (COHRE) V SUDAN (2009),
PARAGRAPH 187.
136. Further, “The right to freedom of movement is a basic element of liberty.
The freedom to leave one country for another allows individuals to escape
political systems that deny them other basic freedoms, thus serving as a
right of last resort. The right to return to one’s own country similarly
guards against government repression by barring the state from exiling
disfavored groups or individuals. The right to return also serves to
strengthen the right to leave a country, in the case of non-nationals, as it
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