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Human and Peoples· H ights
Collective Hesponsibility
48. Article 56(5) of the African Charter stipulates that ' Communications should be
'sent after exhausting local remedies, if any unless it is evident that this procedure is
unduly prolonged. This requirement ensures that States are given the initial
opportunity to address any human rights violations. Additionally, it prevents
the Commission from functioning as a primary judicial body or a means to
bypass local institutions, which not only have a duty to address human rights
violations but are also better equipped to do so. In the case of Association
Mauritanienne des droits de l'Homme v Mauritania,3 the Commission
emphasized that local remedies refer to the ordinary legal remedies accessible
within jurisdictions for individuals seeking justice. Similarly, in Cudjoe v
Ghana, 4 the Commission clarified that local remedies, in principle, encompass
courts of a judicial nature.
49. In the case of Jawara v Gambia,5 the Commission acknowledged flexibility in
applying the exhaustion of local remedies rule. It stated that Complainants are
expected to exhaust local remedies only to the extent that these remedies are
available, effective, and adequate. Furthermore, the Commission elaborated on
this principle by affirming that a remedy is considered available if the
petitioner can pursue it without hindrance; it is deemed effective if it holds the
possibility of success. It is considered sufficient if it is capable of addressing the
complaint satisfactorily.
50. In light of the submissions, the Complainant's claims for non-exhaustion of
local remedies are centered around obstruction of justice from the judiciary,
which hampers his practice as an Attorney, and unduly prolonged remedies.
According to the Complainant, the Respondent State utilizes the judiciary to
discriminate against him. The Complainant also asserts that the statement of
the Vetting Board substantiates this allegation. In particular, the Complainant
argues that the April 25, 2012, public ruling by the Judges and Magistrates
Vetting Board of Kenya highlights the lack of effective access to local remedies.
51. The Complainant also asserts that he lodged a Notice of Appeal in the High
Court on October 1, 2012, and formally requested the Deputy Registrar for
certified copies of the proceedings and the ruling. The Complainant alleges that
the Deputy Registrar caused unexplained and excessive delays in providing
the requested copies, resulting in approximately five years, spanning from
October 1, 2012, to July 17, 2017. The Complainant states that the Court
acknowledged its responsibility for these protracted delays and issued a
3
iM-1
Communication 242/01 - Interights, Institute for Human Rights and Development ·
Association mauritanienne des droits de !'Homme v Mauritania (2004) ACHPR para ,,"P .,,�c R E lA ,,.,4, "'0-o
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4 Communication 221/98 - Alfred B. Cudjoe v Ghana (1999) ACHPR, para 14
s<- 1
5 Communications 147/95_149/96- Jawara v Gambia
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