Civil society organisations call for the adoption of Additional Protocol on Freedom of Expression in Africa

The Forum on the participation of NGOs in the 44th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, held from November 7-9, 2008 in Abuja (Federal Republic of Nigeria) has called for the adoption of an Additional Protocol to the Charter of Human and People’s Rights on Freedom of Expression in Africa.

In a resolution, participants to the Forum asked the organs of the African Union to submit an Additional Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on Freedom of Expression to the next summit of Heads of State.
 
In addition, the resolution urges the Commission to provide the Special Rapporteur of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information all the necessary means to accomplish her mandate particularly to receive information and conduct studies and carry out investigations.
 
They also invited the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights to ensure that Freedom of Expression is a permanent key point for the examination of the periodic reports submitted by states parties to the Commission.
 
In 2002 the Commission adopted the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa yet several countries continue to blatantly violate freedom of expression. The Protocol, if adopted, will be a binding document and would reverse this tendency.  
 
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Issued by NAFEO, Accra, November 10, 2008

The Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations (NAFEO) promotes and defends freedom of press and expression in the continent. It was established in October 2005 by several significant freedom of expression organisations in Africa.

Media Foundation for West Africa