LCP4807
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: MARCH 2026
, LCP4807 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE MARCH 2026
Critically discuss the potential for, and limitations of individuals and Non-
Governmental Organizations to gain direct access to the African Court on Human
and Peoples’ Rights.
International Human Rights Law (IHRL) forms part of public international law and seeks
to protect individuals and groups against abuses of state power. Within the African
regional system, the protection of human rights is primarily governed by the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) and its judicial enforcement
mechanism, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Court Protocol).
The creation of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) marked
a significant development in strengthening human rights protection in Africa. However,
while the Court enhances accountability, access to it especially for individuals and Non-
Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is subject to strict procedural conditions. This
essay critically discusses both the potential for, and the limitations of, individuals and
NGOs to gain direct access to the African Court.
Legal Framework Governing Access
The African Court derives its mandate from the Court Protocol, read together with the
African Charter. Article 5 of the Protocol regulates locus standi (standing before the
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: MARCH 2026
, LCP4807 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE MARCH 2026
Critically discuss the potential for, and limitations of individuals and Non-
Governmental Organizations to gain direct access to the African Court on Human
and Peoples’ Rights.
International Human Rights Law (IHRL) forms part of public international law and seeks
to protect individuals and groups against abuses of state power. Within the African
regional system, the protection of human rights is primarily governed by the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) and its judicial enforcement
mechanism, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Court Protocol).
The creation of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) marked
a significant development in strengthening human rights protection in Africa. However,
while the Court enhances accountability, access to it especially for individuals and Non-
Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is subject to strict procedural conditions. This
essay critically discusses both the potential for, and the limitations of, individuals and
NGOs to gain direct access to the African Court.
Legal Framework Governing Access
The African Court derives its mandate from the Court Protocol, read together with the
African Charter. Article 5 of the Protocol regulates locus standi (standing before the
