African Court to agitate for economic, cultural rights

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 opening of the legal facility's 2024 Judicial Year to be marked here on Monday.

The solemn ceremony will be marked under the theme 'Enhancing the Justiciability of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights with emphasis on Education'.

The theme marks the 72nd commencement of the Ordinary session of the Court which kicks off in Arusha on Monday

The ceremony at the Court premises will, for the first time, be graced by the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Also expected to be in attendance will be the Attorney General of Kenya, Justin Muturi who will represent President William Ruto of Kenya.

Over 200 delegates drawn from various regional and continental bodies will also attend the ceremony, according to a statement issued by the Court.

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 will be there.

The event will also attract representatives of the Civil Society Organisations, members of the academia, 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.