AFRICAN COURT TO AGITATE FOR ECONOMIC, CULTURAL RIGHTS

BY GRACE MACHA IN ARUSHA

The African Court on Human and People's Rights (AfCHPR) has said  economic and cultural rights will now be part of its area of focus.

Economic and cultural rights will dominate the legal facility's  activities for the 2024 Judicial Year launched recently.

This year's activities of the judicial organ are themed 'Enhancing the Justiciability of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights with emphasis on Education'..

Over 200 delegates drawn from various regional and continental bodies attended the launching ceremony.

They will include representatives of African Union (AU) member states,regional and sub-regional courts and AU organs with human rights mandates.

Envoys accredited to Tanzania, members of the judicial corps of Tanzania and representatives of Bar Associations were also there.

The event also attracted representatives of the civil society organisations, members of the academia and media and other stakeholders.

The Court has adopted the theme as it aligns to the AU's pursuit for education adopted at the 36th Ordinary Session of the AU heads of state and government last year.

The Court said in a statement that the right of all peoples to have their economic, social and cultural development was fundamental for their basic rights.

Unlike civil and political rights, the economic, social and cultural rights in the African Human and People's Charter must be protected.

The African Court or AfCHPR is a continental Court established by African countries to ensure the protection of human and peoples' rights in Africa.

 The Court, which is based in Arusha, is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.