08/ POLICING ASSEMBLIES IN AFRICA: Guidelines for the Policing of Assemblies by Law Enforcement Officials in Africa PART 1 PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 1. General principles governing the right to assemble freely with others 1.1. Everyone has the right to assemble freely with others. The right to assembly may be exercised in a number of ways, including through demonstrations, protests, meetings, processions, rallies, sit-ins, and funerals, through the use of online platforms, or in any other way people choose. 1.2. Limitations imposed by the State Party on the right to assemble freely with others must: 1.2.1. Be in accordance with limitations on the right to assemble in terms of regional and international human rights standards. This includes the right to life; freedom from discrimination; equality of, and equal protection before, the law; the right to dignity and freedom from torture and other ill treatment; the right to liberty and security of the person; the right to have a cause heard; freedom of movement; freedom of conscience; the right to privacy; the right to receive and disseminate information and to express opinions; the right to free association; and the right to participate freely in public affairs and equal access to public services, as guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other relevant international human rights instruments; and 1.2.2. Comply with the principles of legality; be in pursuit of a legitimate interest as defined by regional and international human rights instruments; be a necessary and proportionate measure to achieve that end within a democratic society; and adhere to the rights of freedom from discrimination and equality before the law. 1.2.3 Participants and organisers of assemblies shall exercise the right to assemble with due respect to the right of others and in compliance with the laws in place which themselves should be consistent with the regional and international human rights standards. APCOF Guidelines on policing assemblies TEXT.indd 8 12/04/2017 17:07:43