Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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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).
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