New Working Group to Tackle Low Implementation of African Commission’s Decisions

Persistent obstacles often undermine member states’ compliance with decisions issued by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). These include the lack of political will, inaccessible or unclear domestic enforcement mechanisms, poor monitoring, and limited use of the Commission’s follow-up procedures. Together, these factors weaken the African human rights system and prevent survivors from obtaining the justice they are owed. 

To tackle the low rate of implementation, in April the Litigants’ Group—a coalition of civil society organisations, legal practitioners, and human rights activists committed to reinforcing the ACHPR’s protective mandate—launched the Implementation Working Group (IWG). Its aim  is to support litigants in securing the implementation of decisions and to hold states accountable to their commitments. This is achieved through targeted advocacy efforts and coordinated campaigns, applying pressure on states and disseminating information regarding the status of implementation. 

The IWG’s activities will focus on enhancing the ACHPR’s capacity to support the implementation of its decisions by identifying practical ways civil society organisations can assist and by fostering collaboration with ACHPR officials and other stakeholders. It will advocate for improved practices and greater awareness around implementation through side events, roundtable discussions during ACHPR sessions, and strategic advocacy during inter-session periods. Additionally, the IWG will promote knowledge-sharing by facilitating the exchange of experiences among civil society organisations, identifying lessons learned and best practices at sub-regional, regional, and UN levels. It will also develop tools to disseminate information on relevant cases and implementation efforts within its network.

Join the Movement: Strengthen the Implementation of ACHPR decisions 

Membership is open to anyone who shares a commitment in advancing the implementation of ACHPR decisions. Are you interested in joining?  Complete this form with your details, and REDRESS will add you to our members’ mailing list and invite you to participate in our upcoming meetings and initiatives. 

Photo: Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa