The African Commission, the African Court on Human Rights and the realisation of the right to development

This chapter focuses exclusively on two of these institutions: Firstly, the African Commission because as the oldest body for the protection of human rights in Africa, it &s;has fully asserted its mandate and entrenched its operations&s; in advancing human rights in general and specifically right to development (RTD). Secondly, the African Court that has recently rendered its first judgement on the RTD in the Ogiek case. It discusses as they are the only two bodies that have made a significant difference in addressing the RTD, at least in terms of standard setting. The chapter examines the extent to which the African Commission protects and promotes the RTD in Africa. It focuses on the protective mandate of the Commission with special attention to the RTD. The chapter explores the promotional mandate of the Commission in respect of the RTD. The Communication argues that the right to food is implicit in the African Charter, in such provisions as the right to life.