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AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism is a mechanism established under the Protocol on Rules and Engagement on the settlement of disputes under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.[1]

It was designed to provide a forum for the amicable, transparent and swift resolution of disputes between State Parties under the conditions of the agreement[2]

Components

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The Dispute Settlement Mechanism consists of the following institutions;

Dispute Settlement Body

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The Dispute Settlement Body is the main decision making responsible for the Dispute Settlement Mechanism. It is mandated to establish the panels and Appellate Body and their reports.[3]

Adjudicating Panels

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The Adjudicating Panels are responsible for hearing and resolving disputes between state parties. They are composed of three experts who are appointed by the Dispute Settlement Body.[4]

Appellate Body

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This is a second tier review body that hears appeals of panel decisions. It is composed of seven independent experts who are appointed by the DSB.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "B & P Associates | Dispute Settlement Under AfCFTA". Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  2. ^ "Dispute Resolution Protocols In African Continental Free Trade Area: Reviewing Existing Protocols And Rules - International Trade & Investment - Nigeria". www.mondaq.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  3. ^ "9th Meeting of the AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Body - AfCFTA". 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  4. ^ Advocates, Integri Solicitors &. "Dispute Resolution Mechanisms Under AfCFTA". Integri Solicitors & Advocates. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  5. ^ "The AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism as part of a continental Trade Regime - tralac trade law centre". www.tralac.org. Retrieved 2023-06-20.