The human rights system of the African Union

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights is a regional instrument designed to reflect the history, values, traditions and development of peoples in Africa. The Charter combines African values with international norms not only by promoting internationally recognized individual rights, but also by proclaiming collective rights and individual duties. This chapter outlines the rights contained in the Charter that are of particular interest to minorities and describes the work of the Charter’s primary oversight body, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. While there is no minority-specific institution within the African human rights system, the Commission has adopted a very broad approach to minority issues. The work of the Commission is complemented by a transitional African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is to be replaced by the African Court of Justice and Human Rights.

Related Subject(s): Human Rights and Refugees