Developments in the African Human Rights System 2003–04
Abstract
Human Rights Law Review 6:1 Ã The Author [2006]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org doi:10.1093/hrlr/ngi031 Advance Access published on 10 February 2006 ............................................................................... Rachel Murray* 1. Introduction In January 2005 the Summit of the African Union (AU) adopted the 17th Annual Activity Report of the African Commission on Human and Peoplesâ Rights (âCommissionâ).1 The Report contains the key features of the work of the Commission from July 2003 to July 2004. The present paper highlights the important developments in the African human rights system over this period. 2. Developments on Thematic Issues Over recent years the Commission has developed a more thematic approach to its work, with the appointment of Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups to examine particular issues. Special Rapporteurs, who have always been members of the Commission itself, and Working Groups, composed of Commissioners, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), experts and others, have made an important contribution in some areas to the interpretation of the African Charter on Human and Peoplesâ Rights (âCharterâ). Two of the key contributions in 2003^04 are highlighted below.2 *Reader in Law, University of Bristol. 1 2 Assembly/AU/Dec.56(IV). Other developments were the adoption of the Ouagadougou