The African Court on Human and Peoples Rights, the East African Court of Justice and the Community Court of Justice, convened their joint Tripartite Dialogue aimed at enhancing cooperation among Africa’s Continental and Regional Courts.
The Second Tripartite Judicial Dialogue held in September 2024 in Arusha, builds on the First Tripartite Judicial Dialogue previously held in Zanzibar, two years ago in June 2022.
“It was a historical and momentous moment, because it was the first time, we were meeting to focus on how we can work together as regional Courts to explore ways and means to enhance the rule of law, administration of justice and protection of human rights,” said the Vice President of the African Court, Justice Sacko Modibo.
The three regional courts, the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights (AU) , the East African Court of Justice (EAC) and the Community Court of Justice (ECOWAS) agreed to be staging such Dialogues every two years.
“Reflecting on our previous dialogue, I am pleased to highlight the remarkable achievements stemming from our inaugural Tripartite Judicial Dialogue.
The first dialogue was instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for our collaboration,” said the Vice President.
“We successfully laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation among our Courts, sharing best practices, and addressing common challenges. The resolutions and recommendations from that dialogue have already begun to influence positive changes in our judicial processes, including advancements in case management and jurisprudence,” added Justice Modibo.
‘Enhancing cooperation between Continental and Regional courts in Africa,’ was the guiding theme of the dialogue marking the continuation of the vital collaboration established through the bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed by the three Courts.
Under these agreements, the three Courts, committed to also holding regular consultative forums to discuss common challenges and strengthen cooperation, endorsing the continuous exchange of information and expertise.
On his part the President of East African Court of Justice, Judge Nestor Kayobera said the EACJ has been performing well and that there have so far been no complaints regarding the decisions reached by the regional court.
“These Judicial Dialogue serves as a platform for the exchange of best practices and experiences in justice delivery, such as case management and jurisprudence, while advancing the harmonious application and interpretation of international human rights standards,” said Justice Kayobera.
The Director of Operations at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, Johannes Eile said by bringing together Judges and legal experts from these esteemed institutions, alongside representatives from regional bodies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, the Dialogue remains a platform for exchanging ideas; discuss common challenges, innovative solutions, and the advancement of justice on the continent.
Discussions explored ways to build or improve cooperation between the three Courts and other Continental and Regional Human Rights Courts, as well as international tribunals like the UN Treaty Bodies.
For the dialogues, three Courts have collaborated with a number of Partners, notably, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Humanitarian and Human Rights Law (RWI), Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP).