African Union: ACHPR adopts resolution to undertake a study on digital violence against women in Africa

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (“ACHPR”) has adopted a resolution on the need to undertake a study on digital violence against women’s rights in Africa (“the Resolution”). This is a welcome and important development in efforts to mitigate online gender based violence across the continent, given the global trend of increased digital violence against women. In Africa, the use of information and communications technology by women and girls remains low. Despite this, women – in particular those in public and political spaces – are the primary targets of online violence.

The Resolution considers Article 9 of the African Charter , which guarantees the right to express and disseminate opinions and receive information freely. It also recognises Article 4 of the Maputo Protocol, which prohibits all forms of violence against women in private and public spaces. Further, the Resolution acknowledges that in order for States to address digital violence against women effectively, they require sufficient information and evidence regarding the nature and extent of the issue. Therefore, the Resolution commits the ACHPR to conducting a one-year study across the African continent on the underlying causes, manifestations, and impacts of digital violence against women in Africa.

The study will serve to inform the development of norms and standards, on an African level, to assist States in addressing digital violence against women. The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa have been tasked with undertaking the study. As is common practice, the Special Rapporteurs will likely, in time, call for submissions from stakeholders, including individuals and civil society, to inform the study.

• The ACHPR’s Resolution is available here.
• The African Charter is available here.
• The Maputo Protocol is available here.

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