107. The Court has consistently held that reparations are only awarded when the
responsibility of the Respondent State for an internationally wrongful act is
determined and a causal link is established between the wrongful act and the
alleged harm.19
108. The Court emphasises that the burden of proof of the causal link lies, in
principle, with the Applicant, who must provide the particulars on which the
claim is based.20
109. The Court further emphasises that it cannot order reparation measures based
on allegations for which no human rights violation has been found.
110. In the circumstances, the Applicants’ claim for reparation is ill-founded.
Consequently, the Court dismisses the Applicants’ request for reparations.
IX.
COSTS
111. The Applicants request that the Respondent State be ordered to pay costs.
112. On its part, the Respondent State submits that the request be dismissed.
***
113. The Court notes that under Rule 32(2) “Unless otherwise decided by the Court,
each party shall bear its own costs, if any”.
19
Ibid. Ajavon v. Benin § 139; Houngue Éric Noudehouenou v. Republic of Benin, (2020), 4 AfCLR 749
§ 117.
20 Ibid. Mariko c. Mali § 174 ;
25
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