(2017) 1 African Human Rights Yearbook 99 In 2016, the HRC adopted a resolution on maternal mortality. Resolution 33/18, represents the latest instalment of these groundbreaking resolutions which continue to raise the bar on United Nationsled initiatives to address preventable maternal deaths.95 In keeping with the global focus on meeting the targets set under the SDGs, the resolution has also recognised the importance of identifying, within the SDGs framework, appropriate national indicators in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. It urges states to assess, reform and establish accountability mechanisms to ensure access to justice for women and girls, and to continue to apply the OHCHR’s technical guidance. Like the previous resolutions, it has retained the use of timespecific deliverables including by committing to convening a panel discussion on the connections between SDGs 3 and 5 and preventable maternal deaths and injuries, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. In doing so, the Council continues to send a strong message that its focus on maternal health will remain a priority and its deliberations, and perhaps resolutions, will not cease till preventable maternal deaths and injuries become a thing of the past. The African human rights system could benefit from this approach in developing and rolling out initiatives including resolutions, studies, and technical guidance which are especially designed to account for Africa’s unique challenges and prospects. 3.5 Jurisprudence: CEDAW Committee decision in Alyne v Brazil Aided by the adoption of the maternal mortality resolutions, the development and findings of the OHCHR’s studies, and the work of NGOs, the CEDAW Committee, charged with interpreting and ensuring states’ compliance with CEDAW, categorically confirmed states’ obligations to address preventable maternal deaths and ensure to women adequate access to maternal health services, as a fundamental right, in its seminal decision of August 2011 in the case of Alyne v Brazil.96 On 11 November 2002, Alyne, a Brazilian woman of African descent who was then six months pregnant with her second child, went to a local health centre due to vomiting and severe abdominal pain.97 The doctor did not perform any tests before sending her home with vitamins and medicine. She came back two days later, still complaining that she had severe pain, and only then did the doctors admit her and establish the absence of a foetal heartbeat.98 Alyne had a stillbirth but, against prevailing medical standards which prescribe that surgery should be 95 A/HRC/RES/33/18 available at http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si= A/HRC/RES/33/18 (accessed 15 July 2017). 96 Communication 17/2008, Alyne da Silva Pimentel v Brazil, CEDAW Committee 10 August 2011 UN Doc CEDAW/C/49/D/17/2008. 97 Alyne da Silva Pimentel (n 96 above) paras 2.1-2.14. 98 As above, paras 2.3-2.4.