During the 81st Ordinary Session in Banjul, Commissioner Essaiem presented the status of state reporting obligations under various African human rights instruments. He noted that while some states have complied, many are overdue on submissions, particularly regarding the Maputo Protocol and the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The session echoed the need for timely reporting and highlighted the importance of the Guidelines on State Reporting.
The 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, held on October 23, 2024, in Banjul, The Gambia, served as a critical forum for assessing state obligations regarding human rights reporting. Commissioner Essaiem provided insights into state party submissions under various African human rights instruments, emphasizing their accountability to report periodically on the African Charter, the Maputo Protocol, the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Kampala Convention. The presentation emphasized the need for periodic reports, particularly under Article 62 of the African Charter and other relevant protocols, highlighting that the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities took effect in May 2024. Additionally, it noted upcoming instruments such as the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons and the Protocol on the Right to Social Protection, which are yet to become operational. Reviewing previous sessions, the Commissioner noted state reports scheduled for evaluation from Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Angola, Ethiopia, and Mauritius. He detailed that Burkina Faso was set to submit combined reports from 2015 to 2021 covering various protocols, while Angola, Ethiopia, and Mauritius would present their reports reflecting different periods, demonstrating ongoing engagement in the reporting process. The Commissioner also spoke of the African Commission’s missions to Comoros and Cape Verde, aimed at reinforcing state responsibilities regarding their reporting obligations. He detailed the current reporting status, revealing that only 10 states are on track with their submissions. Out of 45 states party to the Maputo Protocol, only 21 have submitted reports, and none have done so for the newly effective Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Commissioner Essaiem expressed disappointment regarding the delay from some states while encouraging timely compliance with reporting requirements. He reminded that the Guidelines on State Reporting can be found on the Commission’s website.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights obligates state parties to report on human rights situations through various instruments. This session provided a platform to recapitulate previous reviews and scheduled state reports while assessing compliance and encouraging accountability among member states in fulfilling their duties regarding human rights reporting.
The session underscored the urgency for state parties to adhere to their reporting commitments under the African human rights instruments. Despite progress from a few nations, many remain behind schedule. The Commissioner’s call for compliance reflects a critical push towards enhancing transparency and accountability in human rights reporting across the continent.
Original Source: ishr.ch
