African Court on Human Rights suspends proceedings over coronavirus outbreak

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights which began its 56th Ordinary Session on March 2, 2020 in Arusha, Tanzania, cut short its proceedings on Friday following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The session was due to end on March 27, 2020.

The President of the African Court, Justice Sylvain Oré, said the measure was necessary to prevent any risk of contracting Covid-19 by the judges and the staff.

The Court is composed of eleven judges and nationals of member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.

‘’The Court has decided to act decisively in the interest of health and safety of all judges, staff and residents of Arusha and beyond,’’ said Justice Ore.

Among other emergency measures adopted by the court to lock out the coronavirus by decongesting includes ordering all non-essential staff to work from home and key departments with limited staff to carry out their duties on shift-basis until further notice.

The President of the Court urged the staff to take maximum precaution during this difficult period by ensuring that they adhere to all hygienic conditions, including frequently washing their hands and abstaining from crowded places.

The coronavirus pandemic has now killed over 12,000 people and affected over 340,000 others across the globe.