The document, approved unanimously, with 164 votes in favor, presents, according to the Secretary of State for the Administration of Heritage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Auxiliadora Ramiro, several advantages for Angola, such as the possibility of natural and legal persons, endowed observer status with the commission, submit their cases directly to the court.
According to the Secretary of State, the protocol also allows for complementarity with the Angolan legal and judiciary system.
"Adherence to the principles of human and peoples' rights, freedoms, as well as the obligations contained in declarations, conventions and other instruments adopted by the African Union and other international organizations" are other benefits for Angola, also bringing "greater confidence in the system of African human rights, on the part of African citizens, states and institutions", she added.
Maria Auxiliadora Ramiro stressed that this protocol has "the nature of a solemn agreement" and its entry into force in the internal legal order is subject to consideration by the Council of Ministers, approval by the National Assembly and accession by the President of the Republic.
In the discussion of the document, the deputy of the parliamentary group of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) Narciso dos Santos pointed out disadvantages and challenges of Angola's adherence to this protocol, such as limitations on sovereignty and binding decisions that can be imposed on the State by a external entity.
"Adhering to the protocol can lead to internal political tensions, especially if the court's decisions are seen as critical of the executive's performance or national practices," said Narciso dos Santos, also pointing out the need for legal and institutional reforms, as well as the requirement of significant financial and logistical resources for the country.
The deputy from the ruling party's parliamentary group stressed that, "if Angola does not implement the court's decisions, it could face international criticism and sanctions, which could harm its global reputation and diplomatic relations".
"The possibility of convictions for human rights violations can expose the country to negative scrutiny both internally and externally, which can affect the image of the executive. However, these disadvantages can be managed with careful and rigorous planning and a commitment to improvement of human rights", said the deputy, listing as advantages the strengthening of human rights, the improvement of governance and international relations, the attraction of investments and the consolidation of democracy.
In her declaration of vote, the deputy of the parliamentary group of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) Sandra Cacunda said that her party's vote was in favor as she considered it to be a step towards continental integration in the various domains, stressing that "the the country's commitments to international institutions, in this case the African Union, must have an impact on the lives of Angolan citizens".
"How are the human rights of the people in Angola, how are our courts, in relation to the promotion, defense and protection of human rights in Angola?", asked the deputy, listing some problems such as "having people eating in food containers garbage, having people die outside hospitals, having people without drinking water, without electricity, without decent housing, without basic sanitation", among others.
At this Wednesday's session, the Draft Resolution approving the Treaty of Creation of the African Medicines Agency for ratification was also approved.
The next plenary session was scheduled for July 18th.
