“The Registry has decided not to register your Application as it does not meet any of the requirements provided by instruments governing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights”.* To avoid any clarification: ambiguity, the Registrar similarly provided the following “To be admitted, an Application must, among other conditions, be filed against an African State that is Party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and to the Protocol related thereto”. 9. It is quite rightly that such requests, that the Court manifestly lacks jurisdiction to deal with, were dealt with through an administrative channel. It is moreover consistent with the practice in international jurisdictions such as the International Court of Justice where it is an official of the Registry which is entrusted with replying to requests filed by individuals, entities that do not have a locus standi before the World Court.° 10. It was equally through an administrative channel that the African Court disposed of requests filed by States which are not members of the African Union such as France® or Japan. 11. Thus, in his reply to the request filed against Japan, the Deputy Registrar of the Court stated as follows: * Request filed by Mr, Karim Benadjal against France and the European Court of Human Rights dated 3 January 2015 and rejected by letter from the Registrar dated 7 January 2015 Ref AFCHPR/Reg./Ext/004. 15). Requests from individuals are indeed rejected by a letter from the Deputy Registrar worded as follows: “In reply to your letter dated xx, | regret to inform you that, by virtue of Article 34 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, "only States may be parties in cases before the Court", and that only international organizations authorized within the meaning of Article 65 of the Statute may request advisory opinions of the Court. It follows that neither the Court nor its Members may consider applications from private individuals or groups, provide them with legal advice, or assist them in their relations with the authorities of any country. letter. That being so, you will, | am sure, understand that no action can be taken on your Yours sincerely,” ® See the abovementioned request by Mr. Karim Benadjal, footnote 4.