06/ POLICING ASSEMBLIES IN AFRICA: Guidelines for the Policing of Assemblies by Law Enforcement Officials in Africa PREAMBLE The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission), meeting at its 21st Extraordinary Session, held from 23 February 2017 to 4 March 2017 in, Banjul, The Republic of the Gambia: Recalling Resolution ACHPR/Res. 363(LIX) 2016 on the Need to Develop Guidelines on Policing and Assemblies in Africa, adopted at its 59th Ordinary Session, held from 21 October to 4 November 2016 in Banjul, The Republic of The Gambia; Acknowledging the differences between State Parties in terms of political and legal systems and traditions and with respect to the structure of law enforcement agencies, but also noting the need for all State Parties to have legal frameworks that protect the right to freedom of assembly, expression and access to information in the context of public assemblies; Recognising that the right to assemble freely with others is a cornerstone of democracy and provides individuals and groups with a platform to express civil, political, economic, social, cultural and environmental rights, to hold government to account, and to raise and defend issues of common interest; Recognising the central role played by the police in ensuring the peaceful conduct of public assemblies and, consequently, protecting freedom of expression and assembly; Recalling its request that State Parties ensure that in the execution of their duties, law enforcement officials fully comply with respect for human rights and the rule of law; Further noting the need to promote and strengthen mechanisms to foster negotiation and communication between all relevant stakeholders involved in public assemblies, including organisers, law enforcement agencies and local authorities; Recognising that particular individuals and groups are especially vulnerable to experiencing limitations on their right to freedom of assembly and to other human rights violations in the context of policing assemblies due to their status or to an intersection of one or more statuses, such as race, APCOF Guidelines on policing assemblies TEXT.indd 6 12/04/2017 17:07:43