This study contributes to the debate surrounding the suitability of Regional Economic Community (REC) courts as avenues for protection of human rights in view of the economic focus of RECs. Recommends adjustments that can be made within the African Human Rights System (AHRS) to deal with the challenges associated with the development of REC courts both in the interim and in the long-term. / A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Law (LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa). Prepared under the supervision of Dr. Jacqui Gallinetti, Faculty of Law, University of Western Cape. / LLM Dissertation (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa -- University of Pretoria, 2009. / http://www.chr.up.ac.za/ / Centre for Human Rights / LLM