The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Twenty-Eighth Ordinary Session in Dakar, Senegal, from 29 June to 1 July 1992,
Considering the annual activity report of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, submitted by the Chairman Dr. Ibrahim A. Badawi El Sheikh in conformity with Article 54 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
Recalling that the Charter of the Organization of African Unity declares that freedom, equality, justice and dignity are essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations by the African peoples.
Recalling also the entry into force of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on 26 October 1986 and the Declaration on the Political and Socio-economic situation in Africa and the on-going changes in the world, adopted by twenty-Sixth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in July 1990,
Convinced that the ability of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Africa and hence the importance of providing it with all possible human and material resources it needs to carry out its work,
Considering that pursuant to Article I of this Charter, the Member States of the Organization of African Unity, parties to the present Charter, shall recognize the rights, duties and freedoms enshrined in this Charter and shall undertake to adopt legislative or other measures to give effect to them:
A. Fifth Annual Report on the Activities of the Commission
1. Underlines the importance of ensuring respect for human and peoples' rights with a view to enhancing peace, stability and development in Africa;
2. Reaffirms the necessity of promoting popular participation in the process of government and development in the context of a political atmosphere which guarantees human rights and the observance of the Rule of Law;
3. Commends the cooperation of the African States with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in the implementation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights;
4. Requests the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity to consider, in collaboration with the Advisory Committee on Administrative, Budgetary and Financial Matters, possible ways and means to respond to the requirements of the African Commission to implement its programme of activities;
5. Takes note with appreciation of the Fifth Annual Report on the Activities of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and authorizes its publication.
B. Overdue Reports
l. Expresses its deep appreciation to the States parties which have submitted their initial periodic reports, Egypt, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Cape Verde and The Gambia;
2. Urges the States parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights which have not yet submitted their initial reports to submit them as soon as possible;
3. Requests that the States should report not only on legislative measures, but also on other measures taken to give effect to each of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and on the problems encountered in giving effect to these rights and freedoms;
4. Encourages States Parties which encounter difficulties in preparing and submitting their periodic reports to seek help as soon as possible from the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights which will arrange for assistance in this task through its own or other resources.
C. Promotional Activities
1. Urges all States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights to reflect the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed by the African Charter in their law and practice;
2. Requests that all States Parties should implement Article 26 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights by establishing national institutions with responsibility for promoting and protecting human and peoples' rights where they do not exist and strengthening all such institutions;
3. Further Requests that all Member States should implement Article 25 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights by ensuring, inter alia, that human rights is included in the curriculum at all levels of public and private education and in the training of all law enforcement officials;
4. Invites States Parties to ensure that the right of individuals to receive information and to freedom of expression recognized and guaranteed by Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights is fully respected;
5. Calls Upon all States Parties to report on these questions in their periodic reports to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights;
6. Requests the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to report on the implementation of this resolution:
D. Ratification of the African Charter
Notes with satisfaction that many Member States of the OAU have ratified the Charter and Calls on those which have not yet acceded to it to do so as soon as possible.
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