Democracy, Law & Human Rights

Agenda 2063 envisions a continent in which there is a universal culture of good governance, democratic values, gender equality, and respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law. The AU works with member states to develop and implement policies that aim to building strong well governed institutions and enact laws that will ensure Africa’s citizens are fully engaged and involved in policy making and development initiates and that these citizens are provided the safe and secure environments in which to live.

The AU has ensured that various treaties and policies are put in place to ensure good governance as well as the protection of civil liberties and the preservation of rights of African citizens . AU treaties on the right of persons include the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, African Youth Charter and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa.

The Judicial, Human Rights & Legal Organs of the AU have been established to support the implementation of good governance and respect for human rights on the continent. They include the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR), AU Commission on International Law (AUCIL), AU Advisory Board on Corruption (AUABC) and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC)

The Department of Political Affairs is responsible for promoting, facilitating, coordinating and encouraging democratic principles and the rule of law, respect for human rights, participation of civil society in the development process of the continent and the achievement of durable solutions for addressing humanitarian crises. The department also coordinates the implementation of the African Governance Architecture as well as implementing sustainable solutions to humanitarian and political crises including preventive diplomacy.