Human Rights & Fundamental Freedoms
Drawing on its founder’s experience before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the firm acts in the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Fundamental rights are guaranteed by the Chadian Constitution and by the treaties Chad has ratified, foremost among them the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations covenants. Personal liberty, fair trial, freedom of expression and association, the right to property, the prohibition of inhuman treatment: these guarantees can be relied on before national courts and then before regional and international bodies.
Defending these rights holds a particular place within the firm, whose founder is an attorney before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. FN & PARTNERS assists people who consider themselves victims of a violation, as well as civil society organisations that document such situations or bring public-interest cases.
Issues We Handle
- Defending victims of fundamental rights violations
- Bringing matters before the competent national and international courts
- Advising civil society organisations
- Following proceedings before regional bodies
Clients We Serve
- Individuals
- Civil society organisations
- NGOs
How We Work
Defence before national courts
Assistance for people arrested or detained, challenges to arbitrary decisions, compensation claims, reliance on treaties before the courts.
Regional and international remedies
Communications before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, proceedings before the African Court, referrals to United Nations mechanisms.
Support for organisations
Strategic advice, documentation of violations, drafting of reports and submissions, legal protection of advocacy work.
Training
Sessions for NGO teams, professionals and institutions on fundamental guarantees and available remedies.
Our Approach
Rigorous commitment, respectful of the procedural framework specific to each court seised.
Legal Framework
- Constitution of the Republic of Chad
- African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its protocols
- International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
- United Nations Convention against Torture
- Chad’s Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the firm advises civil society organisations on human rights defence procedures.
As a general rule, yes. Regional and international bodies require that available and effective domestic remedies be exhausted first, unless they are unduly prolonged. This step shapes the rest of the procedure.
A person in custody benefits from guarantees laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure, in particular regarding the length of the measure, informing relatives and access to a lawyer. The firm acts urgently to check that they are respected.
Depending on the body, an organisation may file a communication or application on behalf of victims or in the public interest. The conditions vary from one mechanism to another and must be checked before any step is taken.
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation calls for specific analysis: please contact the firm before making any decision.
Let’s discuss your situation
A first conversation helps define your need and outline the options available.
Related Areas
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