African Union – ACHPR- 35th session – Banjul – may 2004
RESOLUTION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
DEFENDERS IN AFRICA
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights meeting at its 35th Ordinary
Session held from 21st May to 4th June 2004, in Banjul, The Gambia;
Recognising the crucial contribution of the work of human rights defenders in promoting
human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Africa;
Seriously concerned about the persistence of violations targeting individuals and
members of their families, groups or organisations working to promote and protect
human and peoples’ rights and by the growing risks faced by human rights defenders in
Africa;
Noting with deep concern that impunity for threats, attacks and acts of intimidation
against human rights defenders persists and that this impacts negatively on the work and
safety of human rights defenders;
Recalling that it is entrusted by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights with
the mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa;
Reaffirming the importance of the observance of the purposes and principles of the
African Charter for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental
freedoms for human rights defenders and all persons on the continent;
Bearing in mind the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups
and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms (Declaration on Human Rights Defenders);
Mindful that in the Grand Bay (Mauritius) Declaration, the Organisation of African Unity
called on Member States “to take appropriate steps to implement the UN Declaration on
Human Rights Defenders in Africa”;
Mindful that the Kigali Declaration recognises “the important role that the human rights
defenders play in the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa”
Recalling its decision to include on its agenda the situation of human rights defenders
and to nominate a Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders;
1. Now decides to appoint a Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa
for a period of two years with the following mandate -: