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VGGT Section VGGT Paragraph Human Right Human rights instrument Article

General matters

3. Guiding principles of responsible tenure governance

3.1.1

States should: 1. Recognize and respect all legitimate tenure right holders and their rights. They should take reasonable measures to identify, record and respect legitimate tenure right holders and their rights, whether formally recorded or not; to refrain from infringement of tenure rights of others; and to meet the duties associated with tenure rights.

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to work, to free choice of employment, right to enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work

ACHPR
15

Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.

Maputo Protocol
XIII.a-e

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee womenequal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall: a) Promote equality of access to employment; [...] d) Guarantee women the freedom to choose their occupation, and protect them from exploitation by their employers violating and exploiting their fundamental rights as recognised and guaranteed by conventions, laws and regulations in force; e) Create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women, in particular, within the informal sector;

3.1.2

States should: 2. Safeguard legitimate tenure rights against threats and infringements. They should protect tenure right holders against the arbitrary loss of their tenure rights, including forced evictions that are inconsistent with their existing obligations under national and international law.

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to work, to free choice of employment, right to enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work

ACHPR
15

Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.

Maputo Protocol
XIII.a-e

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee womenequal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall: a) Promote equality of access to employment; [...] d) Guarantee women the freedom to choose their occupation, and protect them from exploitation by their employers violating and exploiting their fundamental rights as recognised and guaranteed by conventions, laws and regulations in force; e) Create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women, in particular, within the informal sector;

3.1.3

States should: Promote and facilitate the enjoyment of legitimate tenure rights. They should take active measures to promote and facilitate the full realization of tenure rights or the making of transactions with the rights, such as ensuring that services are accessible to all.

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

3.1.4

States should: Provide access to justice to deal with infringements of legitimate tenure rights. They should provide effective and accessible means to everyone, through judicial authorities or other approaches, to resolve disputes over tenure rights; and to provide affordable and prompt enforcement of outcomes. States should provide prompt, just compensation where tenure rights are taken for public purposes.

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

3.1.5

States should: Prevent tenure disputes, violent conflicts and corruption. They should take active measures to prevent tenure disputes from arising and from escalating into violent conflicts. They should endeavour to prevent corruption in all forms, at all levels, and in all settings.

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to life

ACHPR
4

Human beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and the integrity of his person. No one may be arbitrarily deprived of this right.

ACRWC
5

1. Every child has an inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. [...]

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

3.2

Non-state actors including business enterprises have a responsibility to respect human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should act with due diligence to avoid infringing on the human rights and legitimate tenure rights of others. They should include appropriate risk management systems to prevent and address adverse impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should provide for and cooperate in non-judicial mechanisms to provide remedy, including effective operational-level grievance mechanisms, where appropriate, where they have caused or contributed to adverse impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should identify and assess any actual or potential impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights in which they may be involved. States, in accordance with their international obligations, should provide access to effective judicial remedies for negative impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights by business enterprises. Where transnational corporations are involved, their home States have roles to play in assisting both those corporations and host States to ensure that businesses are not involved in abuse of human rights and legitimate tenure rights. States should take additional steps to protect against abuses of human rights and legitimate tenure rights by business enterprises that are owned or controlled by the State, or that receive substantial support and service from State agencies.

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to work, to free choice of employment, right to enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work

ACHPR
15

Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.

Maputo Protocol
XIII.a-e

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee womenequal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall: a) Promote equality of access to employment; [...] d) Guarantee women the freedom to choose their occupation, and protect them from exploitation by their employers violating and exploiting their fundamental rights as recognised and guaranteed by conventions, laws and regulations in force; e) Create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women, in particular, within the informal sector;

General matters

4. Rights and responsibilities related to tenure

4.1

States should strive to ensure responsible governance of tenure because land, fisheries and forests are central for the realization of human rights, food security, poverty eradication, sustainable livelihoods, social stability, housing security, rural development, and social and economic growth.

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to self-determination

ACHPR
20

All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen. Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.

21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to work, to free choice of employment, right to enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work

ACHPR
15

Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.

Maputo Protocol
XIII.a-e

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee womenequal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall: a) Promote equality of access to employment; [...] d) Guarantee women the freedom to choose their occupation, and protect them from exploitation by their employers violating and exploiting their fundamental rights as recognised and guaranteed by conventions, laws and regulations in force; e) Create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women, in particular, within the informal sector;

4.2

States should ensure that all actions regarding tenure and its governance are consistent with their existing obligations under national and international law, and with due regard to voluntary commitments under applicable regional and international instruments.

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

4.3

All parties should recognize that no tenure right, including private ownership, is absolute. All tenure rights are limited by the rights of others and by the measures taken by States necessary for public purposes. Such measures should be determined by law, solely for the purpose of promoting general welfare including environmental protection and consistent with States’ human rights obligations. Tenure rights are also balanced by duties. All should respect the long-term protection and sustainable use of land, fisheries and forests.

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to a healthy environment

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to self-determination

ACHPR
20

All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen. Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.

21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to work, to free choice of employment, right to enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work

ACHPR
15

Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.

Maputo Protocol
XIII.a-e

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee womenequal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall: a) Promote equality of access to employment; [...] d) Guarantee women the freedom to choose their occupation, and protect them from exploitation by their employers violating and exploiting their fundamental rights as recognised and guaranteed by conventions, laws and regulations in force; e) Create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women, in particular, within the informal sector;

4.4

Based on an examination of tenure rights in line with national law, States should provide legal recognition for legitimate tenure rights not currently protected by law. Policies and laws that ensure tenure rights should be non-discriminatory and gender sensitive. Consistent with the principles of consultation and participation of these Guidelines, States should define through widely publicized rules the categories of rights that are considered legitimate. All forms of tenure should provide all persons with a degree of tenure security which guarantees legal protection against forced evictions that are inconsistent with States’ existing obligations under national and international law, and against harassment and other threats.

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to self-determination

ACHPR
20

All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen. Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.

21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to work, to free choice of employment, right to enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work

ACHPR
15

Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.

Maputo Protocol
XIII.a-e

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee womenequal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall: a) Promote equality of access to employment; [...] d) Guarantee women the freedom to choose their occupation, and protect them from exploitation by their employers violating and exploiting their fundamental rights as recognised and guaranteed by conventions, laws and regulations in force; e) Create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women, in particular, within the informal sector;

4.5

States should protect legitimate tenure rights, and ensure that people are not arbitrarily evicted and that their legitimate tenure rights are not otherwise extinguished or infringed

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to self-determination

ACHPR
20

All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen. Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.

21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to work, to free choice of employment, right to enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work

ACHPR
15

Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.

Maputo Protocol
XIII.a-e

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee womenequal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall: a) Promote equality of access to employment; [...] d) Guarantee women the freedom to choose their occupation, and protect them from exploitation by their employers violating and exploiting their fundamental rights as recognised and guaranteed by conventions, laws and regulations in force; e) Create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women, in particular, within the informal sector;

4.6

States should remove and prohibit all forms of discrimination related to tenure rights, including those resulting from change of marital status, lack of legal capacity, and lack of access to economic resources. In particular, States should ensure equal tenure rights for women and men, including the right to inherit and bequeath these rights. Such State actions should be consistent with their existing obligations under relevant national law and legislation and international law, and with due regard to voluntary commitments under applicable regional and international instruments.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

4.7

States should consider providing non-discriminatory and gender-sensitive assistance where people are unable through their own actions to acquire tenure rights to sustain themselves, to gain access to the services of implementing agencies and judicial authorities, or to participate in processes that could affect their tenure rights

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

4.8

Given that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, the governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests should not only take into account rights that are directly linked to access and use of land, fisheries and forests, but also all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. In doing so, States should respect and protect the civil and political rights of defenders of human rights, including the human rights of peasants, indigenous peoples, fishers, pastoralists and rural workers, and should observe their human rights obligations when dealing with individuals and associations acting in defence of land, fisheries and forests.

Right to freedom of opinion and expression

ACRWC
7

Every child who is capable of communicating his or her own views shall be assured the rights to express his opinions freely in all matters and to disseminate his opinions subject to such restrictions as are prescribed by laws.

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to life

ACHPR
4

Human beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and the integrity of his person. No one may be arbitrarily deprived of this right.

ACRWC
5

1. Every child has an inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. [...]

Right to liberty and security of person

ACHPR
6

Every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security of his person. No one may be deprived of his freedom except for reasons and conditions previously laid down by law. In particular, no one may be arbitrarily arrested or detained.

Maputo Protocol
IV.1

Every woman shall be entitled to respect for her life and the integrity and security of her person. All forms of exploitation, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment shall be prohibited.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

Right of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association

ACHPR
10

Every individual shall have the right to free association provided that he abides by the law. Subject to the obligation of solidarity provided for in Article 29, no one may be compelled to join an association.

11

Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others. The exercise of this right shall be subject only to necessary restrictions provided for by law, in particular those enacted in the interest of national security, the safety, health, ethics and rights and freedoms of others.

ACRWC
8

Every child shall have the right to free association and freedom of peaceful assembly in conformity with the law.

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

4.9

States should provide access through impartial and competent judicial and administrative bodies to timely, affordable and effective means of resolving disputes over tenure rights, including alternative means of resolving such disputes, and should provide effective remedies, which may include a right of appeal, as appropriate. Such remedies should be promptly enforced and may include restitution, indemnity, compensation and reparation. States should strive to ensure that vulnerable and marginalized persons have access to such means, in line with paragraphs 6.6 and 21.6. States should ensure that any person whose human rights are violated in the context of tenure has access to such means of dispute resolution and remedies

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

4.10

States should welcome and facilitate the participation of users of land, fisheries and forests in order to be fully involved in a participatory process of tenure governance, inter alia, formulation and implementation of policy and law and decisions on territorial development, as appropriate to the roles of State and non-state actors, and in line with national law and legislation

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

General matters

5. Policy, legal and organizational frameworks related to tenure

5.1

States should provide and maintain policy, legal and organizational frameworks that promote responsible governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests. These frameworks are dependent on, and are supported by broader reforms to the legal system, public service and judicial authorities

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to work, to free choice of employment, right to enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work

ACHPR
15

Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.

Maputo Protocol
XIII.a-e

States Parties shall adopt and enforce legislative and other measures to guarantee womenequal opportunities in work and career advancement and other economic opportunities. In this respect, they shall: a) Promote equality of access to employment; [...] d) Guarantee women the freedom to choose their occupation, and protect them from exploitation by their employers violating and exploiting their fundamental rights as recognised and guaranteed by conventions, laws and regulations in force; e) Create conditions to promote and support the occupations and economic activities of women, in particular, within the informal sector;

5.2

States should ensure that policy, legal and organizational frameworks for tenure governance are consistent with their existing obligations under national and international law, and with due regard to voluntary commitments under applicable regional and international instruments.

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

5.3

States should ensure that policy, legal and organizational frameworks for tenure governance recognize and respect, in accordance with national laws, legitimate tenure rights including legitimate customary tenure rights that are not currently protected by law; and facilitate, promote and protect the exercise of tenure rights. Frameworks should reflect the social, cultural, economic and environmental significance of land, fisheries and forests. States should provide frameworks that are non-discriminatory and promote social equity and gender equality. Frameworks should reflect the interconnected relationships between land, fisheries and forests and their uses, and establish an integrated approach to their administration

Right to adequate food

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to adequate housing

ACRWC
20,2

State Parties to the present Charter shall in accordance with their means and national conditions take all appropriate measures: (a) to assist parents and other persons responsible for the child and in case of need, provide material assistance and support programmes particularly with regard to nutrition, health, education, clothing and housing;

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to a healthy environment

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to water

ACRWC
14.1 & 2.c

1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health. 2. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in particular shall take measures: (c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;

Maputo Protocol
XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

5.4

States should consider the particular obstacles faced by women and girls with regard to tenure and associated tenure rights, and take measures to ensure that legal and policy frameworks provide adequate protection for women and that laws that recognize women’s tenure rights are implemented and enforced. States should ensure that women can legally enter into contracts concerning tenure rights on the basis of equality with men and should strive to provide legal services and other assistance to enable women to defend their tenure interests.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

5.5

States should develop relevant policies, laws and procedures through participatory processes involving all affected parties, ensuring that both men and women are included from the outset. Policies, laws and procedures should take into account the capacity to implement. They should incorporate gender-sensitive approaches, be clearly expressed in applicable languages, and widely publicized.

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

5.6

States should place responsibilities at levels of government that can most effectively deliver services to the people. States should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of agencies dealing with tenure of land, fisheries and forests. States should ensure coordination between implementing agencies, as well as with local governments, and indigenous peoples and other communities with customary tenure systems

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

Right to self-determination

ACHPR
20

All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen. Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.

21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

5.7

States should define and publicize opportunities for civil society, private sector and academia to contribute to developing and implementing policy, legal and organizational frameworks as appropriate.

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

5.8

States and other parties should regularly review and monitor policy, legal and organizational frameworks to maintain their effectiveness. Implementing agencies and judicial authorities should engage with civil society, user representatives and the broader public to improve services and endeavour to prevent corruption through transparent processes and decision-making. Information about changes and their anticipated impacts should be clearly stated and widely publicized in applicable languages.

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

Right to self-determination

ACHPR
20

All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen. Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.

21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

5.9

States should recognize that policies and laws on tenure rights operate in the broader political, legal, social, cultural, religious, economic and environmental contexts. Where the broader contexts change, and where reforms to tenure are therefore required, States should seek to develop national consensus on proposed reforms.

Right to development

ACHPR
22

All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind. States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.

24

All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.

Maputo Protocol
XIX

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures; b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes; c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property; d) Promote women’s access to credit, training, skills development and extension services at rural and urban levels in order to provide women with a higher quality of life and reduce the level of poverty among women; e) Take into account indicators of human development specifically relating to women in the elaboration of development policies and programmes; and f) Ensure that the negative effects of globalisation and any adverse effects of the implementation of trade and economic policies and programmes are reduced to the minimum for women.

Right to freedom of religion

ACHPR
8

Freedom of conscience, the profession and free practice of religion shall be guaranteed. No one may, subject to law and order, be submitted to measures restricting the exercise of these freedoms.

ACRWC
9

1. Every child shall have the right to freedom of thought conscience and religion. 2. Parents, and where applicable, legal guardians shall have the duty to provide guidance and direction in the exercise of these rights having regard to the evolving capacities, and best interests of the child. 3. State Parties shall respect the duty of parents and where applicable, legal guardians, to provide guidance and direction in the enjoyment of these rights subject to the national laws and policies.

Right to a healthy environment

Maputo Protocol
XVI

Women shall have the right to equal access to housing and to acceptable living conditions in a healthy environment. To ensure this right, States Parties shall grant to women, whatever their marital status, access to adequate housing.

XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

Right to self-determination

ACHPR
20

All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen. Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.

21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Right to take part in cultural life

Maputo Protocol
XVIII

Women shall have the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Ensure greater participation of women in the planning, management and preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources at all levels; b) Promote research and investment in new and renewable energy sources and appropriate technologies, including information technologies and facilitate women’s access to, and participation in their control; c) Protect and enable the development of women’s indigenous knowledge systems; d) Regulate the management, processing, storage and disposal of domestic waste; e) Ensure that proper standards are followed for the storage, transportation and disposal of toxic waste

General matters

6. Delivery of services

6.1

To the extent that resources permit, States should ensure that implementing agencies and judicial authorities have the human, physical, financial and other forms of capacity to implement policies and laws in a timely, effective and gender-sensitive manner. Staff at all organizational levels should receive continuous training, and be recruited with due regard to ensuring gender and social equality.

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

6.2

States should ensure that the delivery of services related to tenure and its administration are consistent with their existing obligations under national and international law, and with due regard to voluntary commitments under applicable regional and international instruments

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to land

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XV

States Parties shall ensure that women have the right to nutritious and adequate food. In this regard, they shall take appropriate measures to: a) Provide women with access to clean drinking water, sources of domestic fuel, land, and the means of producing nutritious food; b) Establish adequate systems of supply and storage to ensure food security.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.

Maputo Protocol
IX

1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) Women participate without any discrimination in all elections; b) Women are represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes; c) Women are equal partners with men at all levels of development and implementation of State policies and development programmes. 2. States Parties shall ensure increased and effective representation and participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

XIX.b

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: b) Ensure participation of women at all levels in the conceptualisation, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of development policies and programmes;

Right to property

ACHPR
14

The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.

Maputo Protocol
XIX.c

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: c) Promote women’s access to and control over productive resources such as land and guarantee their right to property;

XX

1. A widow shall have the right to an equitable share in the inheritance of the property of her husband. A widow shall have the right to continue to live in the matrimonial house. In case of remarriage, she shall retain this right if the house belongs to her or she has inherited it. 2. Women and men shall have the right to inherit, in equitable shares, their parents’ properties.

Right to remedy

ACHPR
21

All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it In case of spoilation, the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic cooperation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law. State Parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view to strengthening African Unity and solidarity. State Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.

Maputo Protocol
XXV

The States Parties undertake to: a) Provide for appropriate remedies to any woman whose rights or freedoms, as herein recognised, have been violated; b) Ensure that such remedies are determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by law.

6.3

States should provide prompt, accessible and non-discriminatory services to protect tenure rights, to promote and facilitate the enjoyment of those rights, and to resolve disputes. States should eliminate unnecessary legal and procedural requirements and strive to overcome barriers related to tenure rights. States should review services of implementing agencies and judicial authorities, and introduce improvements where required.

Right of access to information

ACHPR
9

Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

Right to equality and non-discrimination

ACHPR
19

All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.

2

Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.

ACRWC
3

Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.

Maputo Protocol
II.1

States Parties shall combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures. In this regard they shall: a) include in their national constitutions and other legislative instruments, if not already done, the principle of equality between women and men and ensure its effective application; b) enact and effectively implement appropriate legislative or regulatory measures, including those prohibiting and curbing all forms of discrimination particularly those harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women; c) integrate a gender perspective in their policy decisions, legislation, development plans, programmes and activities and in all other spheres of life; d) take corrective and positive action in those areas where discrimination against women in law and in fact continues to exist; e) support the local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at eradicating all forms of discrimination against women.

XIX.a

Women shall have the right to fully enjoy their right to sustainable development. In this connection, the States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to: a) Introduce the gender perspective in the national development planning procedures;

XXIIIa

The States Parties undertake to: a) Ensure the protection of women with disabilities and take specific measures commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment, professional and vocational training as well as their participation in decision-making;

Right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial

ACRWC
17,1

Every child accused or found guilty of having infringed penal law shall have the right to special treatment in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth and which reinforces the child’s respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of others

ACHPR
7

Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises: The right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force; The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal; The right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice; The right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal. No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.

Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law

ACHPR
3

Every individual shall be equal before the law Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law

Maputo Protocol
VIII

Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection andbenefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) Effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) Support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) The establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) That law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e)that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) Reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women.

Right to participation

ACHPR
13

Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of the country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.