Introduction

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and national human rights institutions have played, and continue to play, a key role in advancing the promotional and protective activities of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (“the African Commission” or “the Commission”). Arguably, the effectiveness and visibility of the African Commission are owed to the active participation of non-State actors, such as NGOs, in its activities.

African institutions value the contribution of NGOs in the fostering of a human rights culture on the African continent. The Grand Bay (Mauritius) Declaration firmly recognises the contribution of civil society in the promotion of human rights in Africa. In addition, the African Union (AU) encourages NGOs to participate in decision-making processes in building democracy in Africa.

The African Commission has encouraged the participation of civil society in its promotional and protective work, as well as in the elaboration of principles and standards on human and peoples' rights. The active participation of NGOs in the activities of the African Commission is, in part, a desire to have a functional and robust regional body charged with protecting and promoting rights. The African Commission remains the only treaty body with this broad mandate. Even with the functioning of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (“the African Court” or “the Charter”), which will deliver binding judgments, the African Commission will occupy a prominent position in promoting human rights and guiding policy at national level.