Abuja: Justice Edward Asante, the former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has been elected to the Advisory Committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This appointment marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career and in the representation of African jurists on international platforms.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Justice Asante’s election was announced by his office at the Community Court’s headquarters. The Advisory Committee, an 18-member think-tank of the UN agency, plays a crucial role in shaping global human rights policies. Membership requires expertise in international human rights, impartial decision-making, and diplomatic skills.
Justice Asante, who currently serves as a judge of Ghana’s Court of Appeal and the ECOWAS Court, will begin his initial three-year term, which is renewable once. Nominated by Ghana, he was one of two African judges elected during the 60th session of the Council to fill seven vacancies on the Advisory Committee. Members are nominated by UN member states after consultations with national human rights bodies and civil society groups.
The committee’s composition includes five members each from Africa and Asia-Pacific countries, three from Latin American and Caribbean regions, and two from Western Europe and other countries. Justice Asante’s nomination highlighted his extensive experience in human rights law, international humanitarian law, and judicial administration, deeming him an exceptional candidate.
Ghana’s nomination letter praised Justice Asante’s leadership during his six-year tenure as ECOWAS Court President from 2018 to 2024, citing his role in implementing an Electronic Case Management System and presiding over landmark rulings on civil and political rights. His academic and professional background, including training at the Hague Academy of International Law, further strengthened his candidacy.
The Ghanaian government also emphasized his advanced training in corporate risk management, judicial ethics, arbitration, and governance from leading institutions. His achievements include the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Award and the African Bar Medal of Merit Award.
Justice Asante’s unblemished record and expertise make him an ideal member of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, contributing to its mission of promoting human rights. The Ghanaian government expressed confidence in his ability to enrich the committee’s work and reinforce Ghana’s influence in human rights advocacy globally.