African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL)

The Member States of the African Union,

Bearing in mind the importance of treaties in international relations, notably in the area of maintenance of peace, consolidation and promotion of international law;

Recalling Decision Assembly/AU/Dec. 66(IV) adopted by the Assembly of the Union in Abuja, Nigeria, in January 2005 reaffirming inter alia the need for the establishment of the African Union Commission on International Law;

Further recalling Decision EX.CL/Dec.129 (V) on the establishment of the African Union Commission on International Law adopted by the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in July 2004;

Inspired by the common objectives and principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, notably Articles 3 and 4 which underscore the importance of accelerating the socio-economic development of the Continent through the promotion of research in all fields;

Also inspired by our common goal to strengthen and consolidate the principles of international law and to remain at the forefront of international legal development, and to continue to work towards maintaining standards in important areas of international law;

Acknowledging the contributions of the African Union including the Regional Economic Communities in the promotion of all fields of research with a view to advancing the codification of international law;

Determined to promote the universal values and progressive principles of international law at continental level in the light of the historical and cultural conditions in Africa;

Further determined to promote in the African continent a culture of respect for emerging international norms and rules which have a potential for eventual crystallization into firm rules of international law;

Convinced of the value of the dissemination of, and research in international law, which lies in the ability to foster the creation of an environment that is conducive to the respect for and acceptance of the principles of international law, and the peaceful settlement of conflicts;

Reaffirming the collective will to work relentlessly for the development and codification of international law in the African continent;