African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights: Resolution on the Protection of Sacred Natural Sites and Territories

Summary

From 8 to 22 May 2017, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) at its 60th Ordinary Session held in Niamey, Niger, adopted a resolution on the recognition of sacred sites, territories, and customary governance systems. The resolution recognizes “that custodian communities, who maintain customary governance systems to protect sacred natural sites and territories, play an essential role in preserving the traditional values of Africa, and require legal recognition and support to do so.” The resolution also recognizes that sacred natural sites often harbor rich biodiversity contributing to connectivity, resilience, and adaptability of valuable landscapes and ecosystems.

The resolution concludes with the Commission calling on “States Parties to recognise sacred natural sites and territories, and their customary governance systems, as contributing to the protection of human and peoples’ rights” and “Urges States Parties, civil society, businesses and other stakeholders concerned to recognize and respect the intrinsic value of sacred natural sites and territories.”

The ACHPR is one of the organs of the African Union (AU) as set out by the African Charter. The Commission was inaugurated in 1987 and is officially charged with three major functions: the protection and promotion of human and peoples’ rights, and the interpretation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.