The African Union took a decision on 18 April 2008 to excise the right of direct access for individuals and civil society organisations to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights from the draft instrument creating the court. According to the Coalition for an Effective African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, this decision represents step backwards in ensuring access to justice for all in Africa. As a result, the Coalition has written to the Eleventh Ordinary Session of the African Union at Sharm El Sheikh, expressing its grave concerns, and calling on the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government to re-address the issue of individual access to the African Court.
Open Letter Letter to the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government
