COALITION FOR AN EFFECTIVE AFRICAN COURT ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS EVENTS ON THE MARGINS OF THE 43RDSESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS, SWAZILAND 7 – 22 MAY 2008

The Coalition for an Effective African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Coalition), which comprises African and international non-governmental organisations (NGO) working in and on Africa, individuals and national human rights institutions in Africa, was formed in Niamey, Niger in May 2003 to advocate for an effective and efficient African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The Coalition will be holding a panel discussion on the African Court at the Royal Swazi Sun in Ezulwini, Swaziland on 11 May 2008. The themes for discussion are:

· Opportunities for a strengthened human rights protection mechanism: the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
· The relationship between the African Court and the African Commission
· The establishment of an African Court of Justice and Human Rights: its implications for human rights protection
· The opportunities for civil society in using the African human rights system to protect human rights

The panel discussion will be followed by the Coalition’s General Assembly to do the following
· The election of the nine-member Executive Committee;
· Election of the chairperson of the Coalition
· Election of focal points
· Determine priorities of the Coalition drawing on the strategic planning document

For further information please visit www.africancourtcoalition.org