Nord Sud XXI is an NGO in special consultative status with the UN that was formed by senior statesman and women. The current President is Mr. Ahmed Ben Bella, the founding President of a free Algeria.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Oral Statement to the African Commission: Refugees, Asylum Seekers, IDPs, Migrants

Oral Statement by Nord Sud XXI to the 45th Ordinary Session
of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
13 to 27 May 2009, Banjul, Gambia
Item 7(b)(iii): Refugees, Asylum Seekers, IDPs, and Migrants

Nord Sud XXI recognizes the important role of both the Commission and the Special Rapporteur on Refugees and Displaced Persons in Africa in protecting these persons who often lack the protection of their state of habitual residence or nationality.

We welcome the efforts that the Commission has made through its promotional
activities, in considering state reports, and through the handling of communications.

Often refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and migrants are so vulnerable that time is of the essence in the handling of their claims. In some cases, delays in protecting the rights of the these vulnerable people completely extinguishes any chance of protecting these right for the victims. Despite this undisputed understanding of the vulnerability of refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and migrants, even the Commission
itself has often been slow to act leaving petitioners without redress or even a decision on their claim for redress for close to a decade.

It is hoped that the Special Rapporteur will make an effort to examine the timeliness of the handling of communications related to refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and migrants with a view to taking action to protect victims from ongoing or imminent violations of their human rights.

In cases involving victims who cannot even rely upon their 'State of attachment' to protect their human rights, time is of the essence.

We also note that the Special Rapporteur has been frequently engaged in cooperation with UNHCR during his mandate. We hope that the substantive aspects of this cooperation will be included in the mandate holders report to the Commission.

Finally, Madame Chair, we would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to Commissioner Bahame Tom Mukirya Nyanduga for his significant efforts as the Special Rapporteur on Refugees and Displaced Persons in Africa and as a Commissioner.


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