Justice Edward Asante, the former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, has been elected to the prestigious Advisory Committee of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council.
This was contained in a statement from Justice Asante’s office at the Community Court’s headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.
The statement noted that the Advisory Committee is an 18-member think tank of the UN Human Rights Council.
Membership of the committee requires candidates with a sound understanding of international human rights mechanisms, a proven record of impartial decision-making, and the diplomatic acumen to navigate complex global issues.
“Justice Asante, who is currently a judge of Ghana’s Court of Appeal and the ECOWAS Court, will serve for an initial three-year term, renewable once,” the statement said.
Nominated by Ghana, Asante was one of two judges from Africa elected during the 60th session of the Council to fill the seven vacancies on the Advisory Committee.
Members of the Advisory Committee, who serve in their personal capacities, are usually nominated by UN member states after consultations with national human rights institutions and civil society organisations.
The committee’s 18 members comprise five each from Africa and Asia-Pacific countries, three each from Latin American and Caribbean countries, and two from Western European and other countries.
Ghana, in its nomination letter, described Justice Asante as a distinguished jurist and seasoned international legal expert, whose extensive experience in human rights law, international humanitarian law, and judicial administration makes him an exceptional choice for the role.
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“With over three decades of legal practice and judicial service, including as President and Judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Asante has demonstrated deep commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights across West Africa and beyond,” the letter stated.
Ghana further noted that Justice Asante served as ECOWAS Court President for six years, between 2018 and 2024, a tenure marked by impactful, visionary leadership and judicial innovation.
He was credited with spearheading the development and implementation of an Electronic Case Management System at the ECOWAS Court, presiding over groundbreaking rulings on civil and political rights, and leading successful external court sessions that expanded access to regional justice mechanisms.
Other factors cited in support of his suitability included his academic and professional credentials, such as training in both Public and Private International Law at the Hague Academy of International Law, and advanced courses in corporate risk management, judicial ethics, arbitration, and governance from leading global institutions.
These qualifications were reinforced by numerous awards recognising his leadership in justice delivery, including the Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression Award (2020), received during his tenure as ECOWAS Court President, and the African Bar Medal of Merit Award.
“Justice Asante’s unblemished integrity, fidelity to equity, and wealth of expertise position him as an ideal candidate to contribute substantively to the work of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee in promoting global human rights,” Ghana’s government stated.
It added that his contributions would further strengthen Ghana’s reputation as a champion of human rights and good governance on the global stage.
