Things have been a little slow at The Monitor over the past few weeks but I am pleased to say we have a number of exciting pieces planned over the summer.
The first is to share with you The Monitor’s recent communication to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights following its call for public consultation on its Zero Draft of the General Comment on the Right to Redress for Victims of Torture or Ill-treatment under Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The draft seems to be no longer available but a press release on its drafting is available here.
The comment, which comes in the form of a letter, is (hopefully) fairly self-explanatory. In essence, the draft currently makes no reference to the potential role of the African Court as part of a comprehensive framework of available remedies to victims of torture or ill-treatment. Of course this role can only be fully empowered if AU member states ratify the African Court Protocol and the Article 34(6) Special Declaration. Our comment therefore urges the African Commission to urge AU members states to do just that, and allow the African Court to form part of the remedies available to all victims of torture across Africa.
Please read the letter below. I hope that the African Commission has the opportunity to read our comments and can include in the next draft reference to the important role that the African Court can play.