African leaders must strengthen human rights court — Justice Dennis Adjei

Justice of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, has called on African leaders to strengthen the continent’s premier human rights court by granting it greater autonomy, improving compliance with its rulings, and providing adequate financial support to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandate.

He made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at a public lecture organised in collaboration with Central University to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Speaking at the event on Friday, July 31, Justice Adjei expressed concern over the growing tendency of some African countries to distance themselves from the Court whenever its judgments are unfavourable.

He noted that such actions undermine the Court's authority and weaken continental efforts to promote justice, accountability and the protection of fundamental human rights.

According to him, African governments must demonstrate a stronger commitment to the Court by respecting its decisions and supporting its institutional development rather than withdrawing cooperation when judgments do not align with national interests.

Justice Adjei emphasised that the African Court was established to safeguard human rights across the continent and provide justice for victims whose rights have been violated.

He highlighted the Court's significant contribution to addressing serious human rights abuses, particularly cases involving violence against women and children, adding that several of its landmark decisions have inspired legal and policy reforms in member states.

The judge said the institution has become an important pillar of Africa's human rights architecture by offering victims an avenue to seek justice beyond their national courts when domestic remedies have been exhausted.

Justice Adjei stressed that the Court requires greater operational independence to effectively carry out its mandate.

He argued that strengthening the Court's autonomy would enable it not only to deliver impartial judgments but also to monitor the implementation of its decisions more effectively.

According to him, stronger enforcement mechanisms would help ensure that member states comply with the Court's rulings, enhancing public confidence in the institution and reinforcing the rule of law across Africa.

He noted that with the necessary political support and institutional reforms, the Court can fully realise its vision of serving as Africa's court of last resort for human rights violations.

Justice Adjei also appealed for increased financial support for the Court's legal aid fund, describing it as essential to ensuring that vulnerable individuals can access justice regardless of their financial circumstances.

He called on governments, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to contribute resources toward strengthening the fund and expanding access to legal representation for victims of human rights abuses.

According to him, improving the legal aid system would make the Court more accessible and reinforce its commitment to protecting the rights of all Africans.

Justice Adjei revealed that since its establishment two decades ago, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights has received 366 contentious cases.

Of these, 266 cases have been concluded, while 100 remain pending, reflecting both the growing reliance on the Court and the increasing demand for continental human rights adjudication.

He expressed optimism that with stronger political backing, improved funding and enhanced institutional independence, the Court would continue to advance justice, strengthen human rights protections and promote accountability across Africa.