African Court to Enhance Legal Aid for Indigent Applicants

During a public lecture commemorating the 20th anniversary of the African Court, Justice Stella Anukam disclosed that the court will provide legal aid for indigent applicants. This initiative aims to strengthen legal support and improve access to justice for victims of human rights violations.

Anukam highlighted the necessity of increasing contributions from the African Union (AU) and expanding partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to offer free legal services. She pointed out that the operational costs of bringing cases to court remain a significant obstacle for victims, making the strengthening of the legal aid fund essential for democratizing access to justice.

Anukam clarified that the court has a dual mandate: to adjudicate human rights violations and to provide advisory opinions interpreting the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. She also lamented the inability of governments across Africa, including Nigeria, to sign the declaration that would allow the court to operate effectively.