African Union Launches the Transitional Justice Policy

The African Union Commission (AUC) launches the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) at the 64th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The policy was recently adopted by the Heads of State and Government at the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union on 12 February 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The launch of the Policy celebrates the AU’s historic journey towards championing a continental framework on transitional justice following the recommendation by the African Union Panel of the Wise in 200 and later endorsed by its Policy Organs in 2011. The Transitional Justice Policy was developed with a view to, inter alia, strengthen the capacity of Member States, AU Organs and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to respond timeously and effectively to the adverse effects of violent conflict.

The AUTJP as home-grown instrument, is unique to Africa, rich in its progressive methodologies and approaches, and is rooted in African shared values, traditional justice systems and experiences.

On the occasion of the launch, Dr. Khabele Matlosa, Director for the Department of Political Affairs at the AUC noted that the policy will properly coordinate and structure the African Union intervention on Transitional Justice in Africa by setting the common standards and a continental guide. The policy will realize AU shared values and its policy of non-indifference to war crimes, genocide and gross violation of human rights as provided in Article 4h of the African Union Constitutive Act and Aspiration 3 of Agenda 2063 which envisages an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and rule of law.

The Policy was launched by Amb. Hadiza Mustapha, Advisor to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Peace, Security and Governance. In her statement, she welcomed the Transitional Justice Policy as the newest addition to the AU’s Peace, Security and Governance Architecture. She noted, “the decision to adopt the African Union Transitional Justice Policy in February of this year is an expression of the Heads of State and Government commitment to the promotion and protection of justice, accountability, human and peoples’ rights in Africa. It is a milestone in our quest for African solutions and the need to promote peace, security and stability which are critical to AU’s development and integration Agenda.”

Source:

https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20190425/african-union-launches-transitional-justice-policy-0