Thanks to this progress, Benin qualified for external debt relief and opted to give priority to social sector financing such as education and health setting Benin squarely on course to meet the 2006-2011 Strategic Development Goals and the Millennium Development Goals come 2015. In accordance with article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the present consolidated report seeks to set forth the legislative or other measures taken by Benin from 2000 to 2008 with a view to giving effect to the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed by the present Charter. The main objective of the report therefore is to assess the progress made by Benin, obstacles to her meeting the obligations contained in the Charter to the full, and come up with potential solutions to redress all the shortcomings discerned. Through the National Human Rights Consultative Council (NHRCC), all segments of civil society were fully involved in the drafting of this report. I – LEGAL MECANISMS FOR PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN BENIN These mechanisms are contained in the arsenal of national laws and commitments made by Benin internationally in the area of human rights. A – National Legislation 1. The 11th December 1990 Constitution Act n° 90-32 of 11 December, 1990 on the Constitution of the Republic of Benin is the reference framework for issues related to human rights protection. The preamble to this fundamental text sets forth «the determination of Benin to establish a constitutional and pluralistic democratic state -3-

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