Protection for human rights violations in Africa

The ACHPR is a quasi-jurisdictional body whose main function is to protect and promote the human and peoples´ rights in the African countries. Among its functions, this body processes complaints from individuals or States regarding human rights violations committed by States in the region, and receives periodic reports from the States on the human rights situation in their countries.

The ACHPR analyzes the complaints submitted to it, and if it considers that a violation has occurred, it makes recommendations to the respective State regarding reparations to the victims. Moreover, the ACHPR may request States to adopt provisional measures to safeguard the rights of a person at risk.

On the other hand, the African Court resolves contentious cases of human rights violations, orders provisional measures, and presents its expert opinion on human rights issues. However, in order for the African Court to hear complaints filed by individuals, the State in question must have expressly recognized the Court’s jurisdiction.

At IHR LEGAL we provide legal assistance in the preparation of international complaints of human rights violations before the ACHPR and the African Court, as well as representation in the proceedings, and the filing of requests for provisional measures.