The Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania Ms Elisabeth Jacobsen has called on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to congratulate the new President Lady-Justice Imani Daud Aboud at Arusha, Tanzania.

The Ambassador and the African Court President also discussed issues of mutual interest for co-operation, and explore other opportunities for the interest and protection human rights in Africa.

Lady Justice Aboud explained that African Court established by virtue of Article one of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Protocol).

She said the mandate of the African Continental Court is to complement and reinforce the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is a quasi-judicial body charged with monitoring the implementation of the Charter.

Lady Justice Aboud said the African Court has jurisdiction to deal with all cases and disputes submitted to it regarding the interpretation and application of the Charter, the Protocol and any other relevant human rights instrument ratified by the concerned States.

“The African Court can only deal with cases submitted against Countries that have ratified the Protocol and deposited the Article 34 (6) Declaration in cases involving individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations.

“The case must involve allegations of human rights and those alleged violations must have taken place in the State concerned after it ratified the Protocol, unless the alleged violations are on-going,” she said.

The African Court President said under Article 4 of the Protocol, the African Court may, provide an opinion on any legal matter relating to the Charter or any other relevant human rights instruments, provided that the subject matter of the opinion is not related to a matter being examined by the Commission.