Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 21 April 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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, AFRICAN COMMISSION ACCESS FOR NGOS: PROCEDURAL ADMISSIBILITY,
RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, REMEDIES UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER
DAA can take Mr Ricardor’s case to the African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights, even though Sofala has not made the special declaration under
article 34(6) of the Court Protocol.1 The missing declaration mainly blocks direct
access by individuals and non governmental organisations to the African Court, not
access to the African Commission.2 In this scenario, the Commission is the most
realistic regional forum because Mr Ricardor has already pursued domestic
processes for ten years and litigated up to Sofala’s Constitutional Court, with the
case dismissed on the ground of budgetary constraints.3
A strong communication can be framed as a complaint about systemic neglect of a
remote community and the state’s failure to take reasonable measures to realise
basic rights protected in the African Charter, read together with the Women’s
Protocol and relevant international standards.4 The Commission’s process is not
purely technical. It is designed to address serious human rights problems, including
socio economic deprivation and discrimination, and it can recommend remedies and
reforms to Sofala.5
1. Procedural issues
1.1 Forum choice and standing
The African Commission has competence to receive communications from sources
other than states, including individuals and non governmental organisations.6 DAA
can submit a communication on behalf of Mr Ricardor, his family, and the people of
Magadi, provided the admissibility requirements are satisfied.7 The Commission has
accepted communications brought by organisations acting in the public interest,
1
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, adopted 27 June 1981, entered into force 21 October 1986,
art 30 and art 45.
2
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on
Human and Peoples’ Rights, adopted 10 June 1998, entered into force 25 January 2004, art 34(6).
3
African Charter, art 56(5).
4
African Charter, art 60 and art 61.
5
African Charter, art 45.
6
African Charter, art 55 and art 56.
7
African Charter, art 56.
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