ANNUAL WORKSHOP: PROCEDURES OF THE AFRICAN REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM
11-20 AUGUST 2003
FAJARA, THE GAMBIA
The Institute is for Human Rights and Development in Africa is a pan-African NGO that works towards the promotion and protection of human rights and development, through the implementation of African human rights treaties. The Institute will hold its Fifth Annual Workshop on Procedures of the African Regional Human Rights system.
OBJECTIVE
The workshop will give participants practical, concrete knowledge of how to use African human rights treaties and enforcement mechanisms in their work. Specifically, the workshop will cover human rights bodies of the Organisation of African Unity: procedures of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, and the upcoming African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, as well as the African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Participants will learn how to apply African human rights law at the national and international level.
CONTENT OF THE WORKSHOP
Topics covered during the workshop will include:
- an introduction to the international and comparative law of human rights;
- the African regional system for human rights protection;
- economic, social and cultural rights;
- the state reporting procedure before the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights;
- the individual complaints procedure under the African Charter;
- special procedures of the African Commission including its missions and special rapporteurs;
- the African Court on Human And Peoples' Rights;
- recent developments in the African regional and international systems of human rights (the African Union, Nepad etc).
INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS
Each participant in his or her application will describe specifically and concretely how the skills and knowledge gained through the workshop will be applied to a particular project or programme of his or her organisation.
These individual projects may be linked to either present or planned activities of the participants' organisations, and address either promotion or protection of human rights. Projects should be concrete actions that address a particular need or problem in human rights and development, such as preparing a case for litigation before the national courts or the African Commission or promoting human rights through lobbying for legislation or new government policies, media and public awareness campaigns, workshops, etc.
During the course of the workshop, participants will discuss their projects and share expertise with other participants and resource persons. By the end of the workshop, participants and the sponsoring organisations will have agreed on a concrete plan for implementation of the project after the workshop has ended. The Institute will maintain contact with workshop participants to follow up the implementation of projects.
WORKSHOP FORMAT
The workshop will be conducted in English and French, with simultaneous interpretation. It will have a mixed format of lectures, conferences, discussions, role-plays, working groups and individual projects.
VENUE AND DURATION
The workshop will be held in The Gambia, from 11 to 20 August 2003, from 9:00hrs to 18:00 hrs.
RESOURCE PERSONS/LECTURERS
Scholars and practitioners specialised in the African regional system together with Institute staff will serve as lecturers and resource persons.
PARTICIPANT PROFILE
The workshop is open to citizens of member states of the AU, especially those working with NGOs in the field of human rights and development. It is designed for individuals from both common law and civil law systems. Those who already have experience with the African regional system and those unfamiliar with the system are encouraged to participate. A law degree is not required, but knowledge in law or experience in the field of human rights will be an advantage.
REQUIREMENTS
Participants are expected to take part in all activities that form part of the workshop, in addition to work on their individual projects. During the workshop some written work and research, as well as group work, will be required. A certificate will be given to all successful participants.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants must submit a C.V. and the application form that includes the following:
* Description of current work
* How their work affects the population of their country and how participation in the workshop will advance this work
* An outline of their individual project: specifically, how the skills they gain in the workshop will be applied in a project or activity of their organisation, either promotional or protective.
* A letter of support from the head of their organisation, affirming the organisation's support for, and ommitment to implementing, the proposed project.
The Institute must receive all applications before the 30th June 2003. Successful applicants will be informed by 15 July 2003.
COST
The workshop is free for accepted participants. Travel costs to and from the Gambia will normally be borne by the participant's organisation, although a limited number of grants to cover travel costs are available. Participants are encouraged to solicit for funds to cover their travel expenses.
A limited number of interested parties who are ineligible to be participants (i.e. students, scholars, those employed outside Africa) will be accepted as observers. In addition to paying for their own travel,
observers will have to cover their own accommodation costs, approximately $250. Observers will be accepted only after submitting a complete application form.
All correspondence should be made to: , by fax to: (220) 494 178 or by post to the address below: Electronic applications are encouraged.
ADRESS:
Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa
P.O. Box 1896
Banjul,
The Gambia
Fax: (220) 494 178
Tel: (220) 496 421 / 495330 / 495331 / 495398
Email: [email][email protected]
Website: www.africaninstitute.org