Ratification and Entry into Force of the Protocols on the Rights of Vulnerable Persons in Africa

The Working Group on the Rights of the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities in Africa (the Working Group) of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, extends its best wishes to the Member States of the African Union. He takes this opportunity to congratulate all States Parties who have ratified and effectively deposited their instruments of ratification of the Protocols relating to the rights of vulnerable persons covered by his special mandate.

To date, the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has fourteen ratifications and deposits of instruments of ratification, while the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons has thirteen. It therefore remains to obtain one ratification followed by effective deposit of an instrument of ratification for the first Protocol cited and two for the second Protocol.

The Working Group, while welcoming this stated desire to include African States, encourages those who have not yet done so, to ratify and deposit their instruments of ratification with the African Union Commission, so that this year 2024, i.e. the year of entry into force of these two Protocols.

The Working Group also wishes to all non-governmental organizations and individuals working in Africa to ensure that older people and people with disabilities see their rights promoted and preserved. He encourages them to be more enthusiastic and more committed so that when the Protocols come into force, they support the implementation of the provisions contained therein. This will inevitably contribute to the real and effective inclusion of all Africa’s children, for the Africa we want, in line with Agenda 2063 and the theme of the African Union for this year 2024.