v. Federal Republic of Nigeria delivered on 31st January,
1
I
2014.
59. In the African context and in the framework of the African
Charter, to which this Court has to pay due regard, it is
worthy to note that since its inception,
the African
Con11nission on Human and Peoples' Rights has not been
raising any objection to Non-governmental organizations
standing to lodge complaints on behalf of individuals who,
.
for any reasons, are deprived of means to have access to
justice. As recognized by the doctrine, "Although the
African
Charter
in
Article
55,
by
referring
to
communications other than those of States Parties' does not
specifically identify or recognize the role of NGOs i n the
i{•:... -··
\ ": 6).::-·
:
filing of complaints regarding human rights violations, in
('"'.
practice the complaints procedure before the Commission
has been used mainly by NGOs who have filed complaints
on behalf of individuals or groups alleging violation of
-
human and peoples'
rights enshrined
in
the African
Charter"- The African Charter On Human and Peoples'
Rights, The System in Practice 1986-2000, page 257.
60. The same favourable approach to the NGO 's standing to
lodge complaints for human rights violation, even when they