ECOWAS COURT PRESIDENT CALLS FOR STRENGTHENING OF AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS FOR AN ENHANCED RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante has urged participants at the 77^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) in Arusha to contribute towards bolstering  the independence and capacity of human rights organizations in the continent to enable them contribute more towards enhancing its human rights records.

In his address to the session, Justice Asante extolled the progress made with advancing human rights in Africa through various legislations at the continental level which have helped to strengthen jurisdictions and achieve milestones.  He also acknowledged the role of the African Charter as the cornerstone of the African Human Rights framework, noting that it has “contributed to the development of human rights in Africa by setting a regional standard for the protection of rights and freedoms.”

He also noted the importance of similar instruments as underpinnings in the development of the human rights regime in the continent such as the Maputo Protocol (2003); the Kampala Convention (2009); and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990).

In the address, delivered on 21^st October 2023, Justice Asante stressed the essential role of various regional and sub regional courts in safeguarding human rights, including the ECOWAS Court, which is vested with the powers, among others, to interpret, apply and enforce human rights in the 15 member Community of West Africa.

The President however expressed concern at the inconsistent adherence to the rulings of African human rights courts, noting that while African countries were quick to commit themselves to international instruments, these are not reflected in their enforcement of the decisions of their courts.

He added that such behaviour was not only inimical to the promotion of human rights on the continent but that non-compliance with the decision of their courts erodes public trust in the human rights bodies of Africa.

Justice Asante also said that democratic reversals in Africa manifested in the recent coups as well as economic mismanagement impede the progression of human rights initiatives. He therefore urged the authorities of Member States to champion good governance, enforce accountability, and bolster support for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

The 20-day session which commenced on 20^th October 2023 is being held at the headquarters of the AHCPR in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.