ACHPR publications on indigenous peoples in Africa
Updated in May 2008
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) has published a number of publications on indigenous issues in Africa that all play an important role in promoting indigenous peoples' rights. We have compiled a list of these publications and other official documents by the ACHPR here:
Report of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations / Communities in Africa
In 2003 the African Commission adopted the report of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations / Communities in Africa, and in 2005 it was published in cooperation bewteen the ACHPR and IWGIA. The report contains both an analysis of criteria for identifying indigenous peoples in Africa, an analysis of their human rights situation seen in the light of the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and an analysis of the African Charter/jurisprudence and its potential for promoting and protecting the human rights of indigenous peoples in Africa. Read more about the report / order a copy Download the report in ENGLISH (pdf) Download the report in FRENCH (pdf) Download summary version in ENGLISH (pdf) Download summary version in FRENCH (pdf) Download summary version in PORTUGUESE (pdf)
Reports from the Working Group's official country visits
The country-specific reports by the the Working Group on Indigenous Populations / Communities in Africa are intended to document the human rights situation of indigenous peoples in particular countries, and to facilitate constructive dialogue between the African Commission, the various African Union member states, and other interested parties. The reports are endorsed by the African Commission (ACHPR), and published in cooperation between the ACHPR and IWGIA.
Download the report on the Republic of Niger in English or in French (pdf) Download the report on the Republic of Namibia in English or in French (pdf) Download the report on the Republic of Botswana in English or in French (pdf) Download the report on the Republic of Congo in English or in French (pdf) Download the report on Burundi in English or in French (pdf)
Advisory Opinion on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The African Commission's Advisory Opinion on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was the result of discussions at the 41st session in Ghana in May 2007, a time when the Declaration was debated intensely internationally. The Advisory Opinion argues that the Declaration is in line with the African Charter and the stance and jurisprudence of the African Commission on the issue of indigenous peoples’ rights. Download the Advisory Opinion in ENGLISH (pdf) Download the Advisory Opinion in FRENCH (pdf)
