Monitoring the implementation of its own decisions: What role for the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights?

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in recent years has put place various measures to monitor the implementation of its decisions individual communications. These include a series panels seminars, amendments Rules Procedure, extending mandate Working Group Communications, clarifying more expressly roles for national human rights institutions civil society organisations, calling states establish focal points other procedures at level. This article considers effectiveness these critically evaluates role monitoring decisions. draws findings four-year research project conducted by University Bristol's Implementation Centre, collaboration with Centre Pretoria; Essex; Middlesex University. tracked selected communications, from regional UN bodies, against nine countries Africa, Americas Europe. were used as case studies identify examine processes national, international levels, facilitate implementation. Among themes explored was an examination extent which there may be difference discourse behaviour domestic actors depending body issued decision. In relation Commission, this identified that while been increased attention paid issue decisions, it nevertheless lacks strategic direction is risk momentum opportunities created initiatives will lost without further institutional development clarify role.