In Gambia, the Principles and Guidelines on Human and Peoples’ Rights. While Countering Terrorism in Africa were adopted at the African Commission’s 58th session. The Principles and Guidelines were developed on the basis of Article 45(1)(b) of the African Charter On Human and Peoples’ Rights, which mandates the African Commission to formulate standards and rules for African governments to base their legislation.

 

The Principles and Guidelines examine the role of corporate social responsibility, as well as the obligation of private security contractors (military and non-military) to uphold human rights in their work. However, its main objective was to focus on new aspects in counter terrorism efforts. The document addresses how to provide assistance to the victims of terrorism, as well as the need to prevent and punish acts of terrorism through institutional and structural reforms.

 

At the African Commission session, Cameroon and Nigeria welcomed the guidelines, and shared their responses to terrorism. In Cameroon, an emergency plan has been established in response to terrorism affecting 4,000 refugees, and 100,000 internally displaced people. Nigeria criminalized terrorism in 2013 with the Terrorism Prevention Act and has set aside monetary provisions to rebuild areas destroyed by terrorist activities More information about the African Commission’s discussion about terrorism can be read here.