Chatham House Event on Africa’s New Human Rights Court

My friend Sonya Sceats at Chatham House has asked me to announce the following event:

International Law Discussion Group
Monday 23 March 2009 17:30 to 19:00
Location: Chatham House, London

Speakers include:

Judge Bernard Ngoepe, African Court on Human and Peoples Rights;
Sanji Monageng, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
Nobuntu Mbelle, representative of civil society
Chair: Lord Steyn

Against the backdrop of human tragedies in many countries of the continent, a new pan-African human rights court is about to open for business.

The advent of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights marks the third instalment in efforts since the Second World War to create regional human rights courts. This new Court innovates in important ways, including its ability to enforce socio-economic and collective or ‘group’ rights.

On the eve of its first cases, this event aims to introduce the Court to a wider audience and explore the opportunities and many challenges it faces.

Chatham House will be launching a new briefing paper at this event by Sonya Sceats, Associate Fellow, International Law. The briefing paper is called “Africa’s New Human Rights Court: Whistling in the Wind?” and will be available on the Chatham House website following the event.

To register please email Irum Khan-Lodhi stating your name, affiliation and phone number: ikhan-lodhi2@chathamhouse.org.uk

It sounds like a remarkable event.  I hope our readers in the London area will attend!