African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS)

P.O. Box 2728, Serrekunda, Gambia

Phone : + 220 4462341/2 / Fax : + 220 4462338

Web site : www.acdhrs.org

The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights was unanimously adopted at the meeting of the OAU Heads of State and Government in Nairobi, Kenya in 1981 and came into force on 21 October 1986.

It then became apparent that in order for the Charter to be effective, it had to be explained to, and understood by all and sundry in Africa and its provisions utilised to promote and protect human rights on the continent. This realisation gave birth to the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies. Established by the Government of The Gambia by an Act of Parliament in 1989, The Centre’s main objective is to give meaning to Article 25 of the African Charter, which requires States Parties to, « promote and ensure, through teaching, education and publication, respect of the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter and to see to it that these freedoms and rights, as well as corresponding obligations are understood. »