The research focused on how Transnational Organised Crimes (TOCs) violate fundamental human rights principles and values outlined in regional and international human rights instruments, such as the Banjul Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
The study also examines the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights' role in combating TOCs in Africa and how it handles TOCs within the African human rights system (AFHRS) using various internal mechanisms. Specifically, the research looks into how the Commission leverages the African Banjul Charter to combat TOCs in the region.
Dr Ogunade, in his presentation, highlighted the key factors affecting Africa such as the lack of enough centres responsible for TOCs in Africa, Financial Crime, which includes corruption, and the commission’s failure to execute its powers as expected.
Dr Feyi suggested that by coordinating with other regional and international initiatives such as ECOWAS, African States can enhance their ability to combat Transnational Organised Crimes (TOCs), promote accountability, and safeguard the rights of individuals and communities.
Furthermore, he said they should expand their mandate to include TOCs, establish a specialised TOC unit with knowledgeable staff, adopt a more systematic and comprehensive approach, including guidelines to address the human rights implications of TOCs and establish clear procedures for follow-ups.
Mrs Abiola Idowu-Ojo, the Acting Executive Secretary of the African Centre for Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR), praised Dr Ogunade for his timely research on tackling TOCs in Africa.
She stated that while it was recommended, the commission would consider and implement the study and expressed the institution's interest in applying a human rights-based approach to combat TOCs in Africa.
Mrs Abiola expressed that the failure of member states to deliver on their citizens' social and economic rights has contributed significantly to transnational organised crimes (TOCs) in Africa.
Furthermore, many members are not aware of the importance of the Commission, which is another issue that needs to be addressed, she said.
Various speakers highlighted the issue of tackling transnational organized crimes (TOCs) among youths.
Justice Aisatou Jolloh-Sie expressed concern about the involvement of young people in drug and other heinous crimes at regional and local levels and questioned whether the current generation was on the right track.
Other speakers, including the EU representative Mr Raphael Brigandi and Justice Momodou B. Jalloh, emphasised the importance of transitional justice in African regions and the need to combat TOCs, especially corruption.
Michael Oko-Davies, Executive Director of Public-Private Integrity, also spoke on the same topic.
