The African Court on Human Rights

Question 1

The Court

Answer 1

Judicial arm of the African Union.
Permanent seat in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania.

Question 2

The protocol

Answer 2

The Protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights was adopted on 9 June 1998 in Burkina Faso and came into force on 25 January 2004 after it was ratified by more than 15 countries.

Question 3

The Court’s values

Answer 3

Judicial independence from bias - Fair and impartial application and interpretation of the African Charter - ethical accountability - rights of every individual to enjoy basic civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights - Collaboration with relevant stakeholders - Non-discrimination and equality - Integrity of the Judges - equal access to all potential users of the Court - Be responsive to the needs of those who approach the Court

Question 4

Contentious jurisdiction

Answer 4

The Court has jurisdiction to deal with all cases and disputes submitted. can only deal with cases submitted against Countries that have ratified the Protocol. The case must involve allegations of human rights violation.

Question 5

Advisory Jurisdiction

Answer 5

Provide an opinion on any legal matter relating to the Charter or any other relevant human rights instruments, provided that the subject matter of the opinion is not related to a matter being examined by the Commission.