ECOWAS Community Court Of Justice : Judicial Cooperation Protection For Human Rights

By Adoba Echono

The Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, (ECCJ), Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama has emphasized the critical role of judicial cooperation in enhancing the protection and enforcement of human rights across the African continent.

According to a Press Release by the Community Court, Dr. Ouro-Sama, made the call while addressing participants during the second Tripartite Judicial Dialogue in Arusha, Tanzania.
Speaking on behalf of the Honorable Judges and staff of the ECCJ, Dr. Ouro-Sama underscored the importance of such dialogues in fostering collaboration among the courts in helping to disseminate jurisprudence, interpretation methods, and best practices.

He said this will ultimately lead to a more cohesive interpretation and application of international human rights standards.

“The ECOWAS Court strongly believes that these dialogues are vital to ensuring that individuals within our jurisdictions benefit more effectively from human rights standards,” Dr. Ouro-Sama explained.

Dr. Ouro-Sama also expressed confidence in the dialogue’s ability to reduce fragmentation in the interpretation of these standards.

Moderating the session led by Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Dr. Ouro-Sama provided insights into the objectives of the dialogue noting that discussions at the session would be fruitful and productive for all participants.

Recalling the first Tripartite Judicial Dialogue held in Zanzibar, in 2022, Dr. Ouro-Sama noted that one key resolution was to convene the dialogue biennially to reinforce judicial cooperation.

He noted that the second session in Arusha is aimed at building on the progress made, with a specific focus on strengthening collaboration among the courts and addressing common challenges.

“We are pleased with the scope of this program, and we believe that the presentations and discussions will help achieve the key objectives outlined in the concept note.”

Dr. Ouro-Sama expressed optimism that the three-day event would cover a broad range of thematic areas of mutual interest to the courts.

He reaffirmed the Community Court’s gratitude to its sister courts—the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR) and the East African Court of Justice (EACJ)—and partners for their continued support and contributions to the success of the dialogue.

Jide Ibitoye.