, LCP4807 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 - DUE 7 April 2026
Critically discuss the potential for, and limitations of individuals and non-
governmental organizations to gain direct access to the african court on human
and peoples’ rights
1. Introduction
Human rights protection in Africa has developed significantly since the
establishment of regional institutions aimed at promoting justice and
accountability. One of the most important institutions in this regard is the African
Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court), which was created to
strengthen the enforcement of human rights on the continent.
The Court was established under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human
and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (1998). Its main purpose is to complement and reinforce the work
of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights by issuing binding
judgments.
Despite its importance, access to the Court remains limited, especially for
individuals and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This assignment
critically discusses the potential for, and limitations of, individuals and NGOs to
gain direct access to the African Court. It examines the legal framework, practical
realities, case law, and challenges affecting access, and evaluates whether the
current system adequately promotes justice and accountability.
2. Legal Framework Governing Access to the African Court
2.1 Establishment of the Court
The African Court was established through the Protocol to the African Charter,
which entered into force in 2004. The Protocol provides for the composition,
Critically discuss the potential for, and limitations of individuals and non-
governmental organizations to gain direct access to the african court on human
and peoples’ rights
1. Introduction
Human rights protection in Africa has developed significantly since the
establishment of regional institutions aimed at promoting justice and
accountability. One of the most important institutions in this regard is the African
Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court), which was created to
strengthen the enforcement of human rights on the continent.
The Court was established under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human
and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (1998). Its main purpose is to complement and reinforce the work
of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights by issuing binding
judgments.
Despite its importance, access to the Court remains limited, especially for
individuals and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This assignment
critically discusses the potential for, and limitations of, individuals and NGOs to
gain direct access to the African Court. It examines the legal framework, practical
realities, case law, and challenges affecting access, and evaluates whether the
current system adequately promotes justice and accountability.
2. Legal Framework Governing Access to the African Court
2.1 Establishment of the Court
The African Court was established through the Protocol to the African Charter,
which entered into force in 2004. The Protocol provides for the composition,
