The African human rights system: unnecessary overlaps or useful synergies?

Abstract

This article looks at the proliferation of institutions in the African human rights system. It examines the relationship between the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the new African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights and suggests ways in which the two institutions can supplement and complement each other. It then examines the merits and demerits of integrating the African Court of Human and People's Rights and the African Court of Justice. The article then proposes some models for the merger or integration of the two courts. It finally considers the human rights-related structures created under the auspices of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and calls for their synchronization with those established under the mainstream Africa Union (AU) mechanisms. East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights Vol. 12 (2) 2006: pp. 318-332