ADOPTED BY THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS (THE COMMISSION), MEETING AT ITS 72ND ORDINARY SESSION HELD FROM 19 JULY TO 2 AUGUST 2022
GUIDELINES ON SHADOW REPORTS OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS
Adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), meeting at its 72nd Ordinary Session held from 19 July to 2 August 2022
Table of Contents
| Preamble | 5 |
|---|---|
| PART I: GENERAL PROVISIONS | 7 |
| PART II: FORMAT AND CONTENT OF SHADOW REPORT | 11 |
| PART III: PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS | 15 |
| PART IV: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS | 16 |
Preamble
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights ('African Commission'):
Affirming its mandate to promote human and peoples' rights in accordance with Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter);
Pursuant to Article 62 of the African Charter, State Parties must submit reports in accordance with the guidelines of the African Commission on the measures they have taken, including legislative, administrative, institutional and programmatic actions, to give effect to the provisions of the African Charter;
Considering Article 26 of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol), which provides that 'States Parties shall ensure the implementation of this Protocol at national level, and in their periodic reports submitted in accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, indicate the legislative and other measures undertaken for the full realization of the rights herein recognize';
Further considering Article 14 of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (the IDP Convention), which provides that 'States Parties shall, when presenting their report under Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights ... indicate the legislative and other measures which have been taken to give effect to this Convention';
Further mindful of Article 22(1) of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, Article 34(1) of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa, and Article 28(1) of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security, which require States Parties to indicate the legislative and other measures undertaken for the full realisation of the rights recognised in these Protocols;
Considering that state parties have guidelines to follow in their
reporting obligations;
Recognising that the African Charter is silent on the preparation and submission of shadow reports;