Promoting international justice against impunity for the most serious crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances) helps to restore respect for human rights and the rule of law in our societies, and to implement the rights of victims.In June 2014, the Protocol amending the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (hereinafter the Malabo Protocol) was adopted by the African Union. The Malabo Protocol provides for the inclusion of criminal jurisdiction in the mandate of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR). Countries that have signed the Malabo Protocol (May 2017) Countries that have ratified the Malabo Protocol (May 2017) Date of adoption of the Malabo Protocol by the African Union (AU) June 2014 Arusha Tanzania proposed seat for the ACJHR Although the ACJHR could play an extremely positive role in a continent chronically affected by the scourge of conflict and where impunity for crimes under international law is rife, the proposal to extend its jurisdiction raises a number of concerns at international level.

RUYENZI Schadrack lawyer, member of the International Criminal Bar (ICB), lawyer on the list of advisers to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, lawyer on the list of advisers to the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, lawyer at the Rwandan Bar.