2010 Rules of Procedure of the African Commission
on Human and Peoples' Rights
Preliminary Provisions
Rule 1 Objective
1. These Rules regulate the organisation and establish the procedure of the African Commission on Human
and Peoples' Rights in accordance with 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
2. In the absence of a provision in these Rules or in case of doubt as to their interpretation, the Commission
shall decide.
Rule 2 Definitions
For the purpose of these Rules:
"African Charter" refers to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"African Children's Charter" refers to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
"African Commission" or "Commission" refers to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"African Court Protocol" refers to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the
Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"African Court" refers to the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"Amendment to a proposed motion" is an addition to, deletion from or revision of part of that motion.
"Assembly" refers to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
"Bureau" refers to the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
"Chairperson" refers to the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"Child Rights Committee" refers to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the
Child.
"Commissioner" refers to a member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"Day" shall be understood to be a natural day.
"Executive Council" refers to the Executive Council of the African Union.
"Member state" refers to a Member State of the African Union.
"Secretary" refers to the Secretary to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"serious or massive violations" refers to grave human rights violations as distinguished by their scale and
importance.
"Session" refers to the statutory meetings of the Commission. This includes Ordinary and Extraordinary
sessions.
"Specialised Organs" refers to specialised organs put in place by the United Nations and African Union.
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