Sainey Suso, deputy permanent secretary, Department of State for Justice, has said that the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa are primary responsibilities of all and sundry.

DPS Suso also disclosed that it is only when human rights are guaranteed, promoted, protected and fulfilled that peace and development can be realised in the African continent.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Suso made these statements on Monday while deputising for the Attorney General and secretary of state for Justice at the opening of the 5th extraordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Right at Jerma Beach Hotel.

According to him, for Africans to ensure the promotion and protection of their human rights, they need to restore more confidence in the whole continent. He highlighted that the member states of the commission are obligated to submit their state reports to show the progress made, as well as the challenges faced in implementing the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' right.

"The complaints mechanism is also another avenue [through which] redress can be sought for the violation or threats of violation of the rights under the Charter," he said.
He expressed hope that the commission would at the conclusion of the session issue concluding observations on the state reports and decisions on the communications and complete the review of the rules.

"This, I believe will help reduce the backlog of work to be done and also allow the commission to have more time to execute its promotional mandate within the African continent," he noted, adding that it will also enable the commission to effectively work with the court since heads of states have approved the merger at the just concluded African Union Summit in Egypt.

"I am therefore confident that all the delegates will give it their best and participate fully in the deliberations because everyone's contribution will be vital towards ensuring that the African human rights system is fully developed, functional and effective for the benefit of the African Peoples," he concluded.

Musa Bittaye, Sheikh Tijan Hydara, Dr Robert Eno, senior legal officer of the African Union, Dr Feyi Ogunades, senior legal officer of the AU and other important personalities attended the ceremony.