The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Right (ACHPR) has reappointed Commissioner Pansy Tlakula as its Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa for another two years.
Pansy Tlakula was reappointed on November 5, 2013 by Resolution 247 titled “Resolution on the Renewal of the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa”. The resolution was adopted by the Commission at its 54th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia.
In the latest resolution reappointing her, the African Commission recalled its mandate to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Commission, in the exercise of its mandate, established various mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa.
It specifically recalled the Resolution on the Mandate and Appointment of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted at its 36th Ordinary Session held from November 23 to December 7, 2004 in Dakar, Senegal.
The Commission emphasized that the right to freedom of expression and access to information is a fundamental human right guaranteed, inter alia, by Article 9 of the African Charter and recalled the adoption of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa at its 32nd Ordinary Session held from October 17 to 23, 2002, in Banjul, which elaborates the nature, content and extent of the right to freedom of expression and access to information provided for under Article 9 of the African Charter.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the right to freedom of expression and access to information and monitor the implementation of the Declaration within Member States of the African Union.
The Commission commended Commissioner Tlakula on her work and dedication to the actualization of the missions and goals of the organization as Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa and therefore re-appoint Commissioner Tlakula as Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa for a period of two years, effective from November 5, 2013.
Commissioner Tlakula, who has served as Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression in Africa since 2005 is a former Chief Electoral Officer of South Africa and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa.
