Which body can refer cases to the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights?

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has the authority to refer cases to the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. This referral process is a crucial mechanism for enforcing human rights protections within the African human rights system. The African Commission serves as a quasi-judicial body established to promote and protect human rights across the continent, and it plays a fundamental role in identifying serious violations of rights and considering individual communications (complaints). When the Commission finds that a state has significantly violated the rights protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, it may forward the case to the Court for adjudication.

This collaboration between the Commission and the Court enhances accountability and provides a pathway for victims to access justice. The other bodies listed do not have this specific power in relation to the African human rights system. The International Criminal Court primarily deals with cases of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity but does not refer cases to regional human rights courts like the African Court. The United Nations General Assembly does not have the authority to refer cases directly to the African Court, as it operates within a wider mandate with a different focus. Similarly, the European Court of Human Rights is a distinct regional body that addresses human rights issues within Europe and does not