Furthermore, in order to strengthen the independence of the Judiciary, the decree on the modalities
for the implementation of Law No. 2018-36 of 24 May 2018 on the status of judges was passed on
15 April 2019. The number of serving magistrates which was 401 in 2016 and 397 in 2018 has
increased to 412 as at 1 October 2019.
4) OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES
16. Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOC): it is a constitutional institution
governed by Law No. 2011-40 of 7 December 2011 which establishes its terms of reference,
composition, organization, running and subsequent amendments. It assists the President of the
Republic and the National Assembly in the economic, social and cultural spheres. It is an
instrument for dialogue which promotes economic and social progress and represents Niger at the
UN Economic, Social and Cultural Council. It is made up of 91 members who are democratically
appointed by their bodies; the number includes eight (8) permanent members who constitute the
Bureau. Per a decree passed by Cabinet, the term of these members was renewed on 27 October
2017. The Council held its first session for 2019 from 13 to 27 February after which several
resolutions were made in various areas within its remit. The second session opened on 16 October
2019 with issues relating to the lack of taxpayer compliance, oil and gas fraud, begging,
management of the human resources of the Civil Service, situation of industrial units, etc.
17.
High Communications Council (CSC): this constitutional institution is governed by Law
No. 2012-34 of 7 June 2012 and amended and complemented by Law No. 2018-31 of 16 May
2018. These enactments were strengthened by Law No. 2018-23 of 27 April 2018 and Law No.
2018-71 of 8 November 2018 on electronic communication. Article 157 of the Constitution of 25
November 2010 states that “the main mission of the High Communications Council shall be to
ensure and guarantee the freedom and independence of the means of electronic communication,
newspapers and the electronic media in accordance with the provisions of the law.” A new team
led by a new chairman elected by the members on 4 April 2018 took office on 10 April 2018. The
CSC is currently made up of fifteen (15) members as follows:
One (1) person appointed by the President of the Republic;
One (1) person appointed by the Speaker of the National Assembly;
One (1) person appointed by the Prime Minister;
Three (3) representatives elected by the socio-professional organizations of the private sector
media, including at least one woman;
Three (3) representatives elected by the trade union organizations of public sector media workers,
including one journalist, one producer and one technician, and at least one of whom should be a
woman;
One (1) representative elected by the trade union organizations of telecommunications sector
workers;
One (1) representative elected by the associations for the defence of human rights and the
promotion of democracy;
One (1) representative elected by the groups of women’s organizations;
One (1) representative elected by the communications and publicity agencies and offices;
One (1) representative elected by creative artists, and
One (1) representative elected by printers and publishers.
18.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): This constitutional institution is governed
by Organic Law No. 2012-44 of 24 August 2012 which establishes its composition, organization,
terms of reference and operational procedures. This law specifies that it is made up of nine (9)
permanent members who will enjoy the status of Commissioners and jurisdictional privilege for a
term of four (4) years renewable once. This term is not mandatory, and the duties of the
Commissioners are incompatible with the holding of any elective office, any public employment,
be it civil or military, any position requiring national representation and any professional activity,
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