Preliminary Provisions Rule 1 Objective 1. 2. These Rules regulate the organisation and establish the procedure of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in accordance with Article 42 (2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In the absence of a provision in these Rules or in case of doubt as to their interpretation, the Commission shall decide. Rule 2 Definitions For the purpose of these Rules: “African Charter” refers to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “African Children’s Charter” refers to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. “African Commission” or “Commission” refers to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “African Court Protocol” refers to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “African Court” refers to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “Amendment to a proposed motion” is an addition to, deletion from or revision of part of that motion. “Assembly” refers to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. “Bureau” refers to the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. “Chairperson” refers to the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “Child Rights Committee” refers to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. “Commissioner” refers to a member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “Day” shall be understood to be a natural day. “Executive Council” refers to the Executive Council of the African Union. “Member State” refers to a Member State of the African Union. “Secretary” refers to the Secretary to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “Serious or massive violations” refers to grave human rights violations as distinguished by their Preliminary Provisions 5