The African Union (AU) human rights mechanisms are facing calls for reforms from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and National Human Rights Institutions. The CSOs are advocating for greater transparency in the nominations and selection of members of the mechanisms, as well as a more inclusive and participatory process. These calls are particularly relevant to the upcoming July 2024 elections to fill three vacancies at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
During its 44th Ordinary Session, the Executive Council of the African Union voted to re-elect Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing as a member of the African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The undersigned organizations acknowledge this decision but emphasize the need for a more transparent and inclusive process for future elections.
The next election of members of an African Union human rights mechanism will be for the African Court. By July 2024, three upcoming vacancies at the African Court need to be filled. Judge Ben Kioko from Kenya will complete his second term and should be replaced by a male judge from East Africa. Judge Blaise Tchikaya from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Judge Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam from Nigeria are ending their first terms and are eligible for reelection. However, State Parties to the Court Protocol may nominate other candidates for these two positions: a male from the AU’s Central African region and a female from the West African region.
The CSOs and National Human Rights Institutions are advocating for a more transparent, inclusive, and participatory process in the nominations and selection of members for the African Court. They believe that these reforms will enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the AU human rights mechanisms in promoting and protecting human rights in Africa. [a0c38469] [75e4aa66]