Africa: African Commission Appoints Focal Point on Human Rights Defenders

At the end of its 34th Ordinary Session in Banjul, The Gambia, held from 6-20 November 2003, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights appointed Commissioner Jainaba Johm as focal point on Human Rights Defenders in Africa. The establishment of a focal point on Human Rights Defenders is an important first step to begin the full realization of the UN Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders) in Africa through the African Commission.