Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 07 April 2026
QUESTION 1
DIRECT ACCESS TO THE AFRICAN COURT ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS
The establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples‟ Rights (African Court)
marked a significant development in the African regional human rights system. Created by
the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples‟ Rights Establishing an African
Court on Human and Peoples‟ Rights (Court Protocol), the Court was intended to
complement and reinforce the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and
Peoples‟ Rights (African Commission).1 The African Charter on Human and Peoples‟ Rights
(African Charter) had already laid a normative foundation for the protection of civil, political,
economic, social and cultural rights across the continent.1 However, the Charter‟s
supervisory mechanism, primarily reliant on the Commission, was criticised for its quasi-
judicial nature and limited enforcement capacity.
The Court was thus envisaged as a judicial body capable of delivering binding judgments
and strengthening the enforceability of human rights standards.1 Central to its effectiveness
is the question of locus standi, who may access the Court and under what conditions. Article
Terms of use
By makingfive
5 of the Court Protocol governs access to the Court and creates use classes
of this document you agree
of entities withto:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
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Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
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learning, reference,or and
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comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
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Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
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QUESTION 1 (2 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED)
DIRECT ACCESS TO THE AFRICAN COURT ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS
The establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples‟ Rights (African Court)
marked a significant development in the African regional human rights system. Created by
the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples‟ Rights Establishing an African
Court on Human and Peoples‟ Rights (Court Protocol), the Court was intended to
complement and reinforce the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human
and Peoples‟ Rights (African Commission).1 The African Charter on Human and Peoples‟
Rights (African Charter) had already laid a normative foundation for the protection of civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights across the continent.2 However, the Charter‟s
supervisory mechanism, primarily reliant on the Commission, was criticised for its quasi-
judicial nature and limited enforcement capacity.
The Court was thus envisaged as a judicial body capable of delivering binding judgments
and strengthening the enforceability of human rights standards.3 Central to its
effectiveness is the question of locus standi, who may access the Court and under what
conditions. Article 5 of the Court Protocol governs access to the Court and creates five
classes of entities with direct standing, while Article 5(3), read together with Article 34(6),
regulates access by individuals and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs).4
1
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples‟ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on
Human and Peoples‟ Rights (adopted 9 June 1998, entered into force 25 January 2004) („Court Protocol‟) art
2.
2
African Charter on Human and Peoples‟ Rights (adopted 27 June 1981, entered into force 21 October
1986) („African Charter‟).
3
Court Protocol art 3.
4
Court Protocol arts 5 and 34(6).
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.