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SAHRIT statement to the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights African Union members of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Human Rights Trust of Southern Africa (SAHRIT)
May 15, 2006

The Human Rights Trust of Southern Africa takes cognisance of the election of members of the African Group of Countries to the United Nations Human Rights Council, and congratulates the countries that have been elected to represent the continent in this body. SAHRIT is of the view that the strengthening of the United Nations Human Rights system can benefit African states and individuals living in Africa by allowing stronger protection for human rights. SAHRIT further notes that the members of the Human Rights Council elected from African countries are parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and as such are bound at international law to ensure that all actions that they take are compatible with the spirit and purpose of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. States party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights that are members of the United Nations Human Rights Council are reminded of their vertical and horizontal obligations at international law and specifically the obligation not to compromise the enjoyment of rights by individuals in other states.

Therefore SAHRIT urges the African members of the United Nations Human Rights Commission to act in a manner that furthers the purpose of the UN Charter and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Specifically we urge that all matters be dealt with on the merits and that the African members refrain from using block voting and "no-action" procedures to defeat resolutions regarding the human rights situations in African countries. Considering the varied and serious human rights challenges facing the African continent there is need for concerted action from all governments, and for frank and constructive dialogue between governments to the aim of meeting the challenges. It is in this vein that SAHRIT calls on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to recommend to African members of the United Nations Human Rights Council that they utilise their membership of the Council to further the enjoyment of all human rights in Africa, in the spirit of the African Charter.

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