Lawyer Hails ECOWAS Court for Upholding Human Rights Standards

Dr. Frank Tietie, the Executive Director of the Abuja-based Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), has commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court for its exceptional standards in handling human rights cases.

Tietie, a seasoned human rights lawyer with decades of experience, noted that his observations of the ECOWAS Court’s proceedings and judgments confirm its commitment to justice delivery.

He stated that the court’s standards are on par with those of any regional or international judicial body.

The Abuja-based lawyer made the remarks in a statement released late Wednesday and given to Persecondnews, where he also announced his invitation to serve as a judge in the Inaugural Moot Court Competition organized by the Community Court of Justice of the ECOWAS Court.

Persecondnews reports that a moot court competition is a simulated court proceeding where participants, usually law students, argue a hypothetical case in front of judges or adjudicators.

It is s a valuable learning experience, helping participants develop essential skills like: Legal research and analysis, public speaking and advocacy, and courtroom etiquette and procedure.

The court often mimic real-life court cases, allowing participants to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

The statement reads: “I am honoured to be invited by the Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS(ECOWAS Court) to serve as a judge in the Inaugural Moot Court Competition.

“Throughout my years as a practising lawyer in the realm of human rights and as an observer of the ECOWAS Court’s proceedings and judgments, I have witnessed the court operate with the highest standards of justice delivery in human rights issues, comparable to any regional or international court.

“Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I accept this invitation and commit to bringing my experience with the ECOWAS Court and my extensive practice in human rights law to my role as a judge in the Inaugural Moot Court Competition, which will be held on June 14, 2025, in Niger State, Nigeria.

“I wish to express my deep gratitude to the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, for deeming me worthy of this assignment, which he communicated to me in a letter under his hand.

“I, therefore, assure him of my commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities of this role in accordance with the established rules and expectations.”