A consultative seminar for the continent’s women and judges is holding in Yaounde.

The few number of cases lodged at the Arusha, Tanzania-based African Court on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) which is in its six years of existence, has been attributed to its lack of visibility due to the non-ratification of the protocol setting it up making the special declaration that enables individuals and NGO’s to access the court as per Article 34(6).

In an era where women need special attention, especially as they are potential victims of violence, ACHPR - a contentious and advisory body - has taken up the courage to break the silence and shove aside this under-utilisation by stakeholders.

It has embarked on a continental awareness campaign with the first holding in Yaounde from April 24 to 26, 2013. The continental consultative and sensitization seminar that has brought together women associations on the continent is holding on the theme, “The African Court on Human and People’s Rights: Your new partner in strengthening and protecting human rights in Africa.”

While thanking the government of Cameroon for accepting to consider ratifying the protocol, Hon. Justice Gérard Niyungeko, member of the court who represented ACHPR President, Justice Sophia A.B Akuffo, said only six (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Rwanda and Tanzania) out of 54 member countries have authorised individuals and organisations to lodge complaints with the court in matters relating to human rights.

The Secretary General in the Ministry of External Relation, Félix Mbayu, while opening the seminar, noted that Cameroon was resolutely committed to promoting and protecting human rights despite challenges. He gave assurances that the said protocol would be ratified. He invited participants to open wide concerted action that can likely give ACHPR the visibility it deserves.

Hon. Lady Justice Elsie N Thompson, member of the court, like Hon. Lady Justice Betty Luma, President of Fida Cameroon, agreed that women in Cameroon and the continent must not only understand the mandate of the court, but also its importance and how they could use it to provide solutions to cases of human rights violation.