The World - News from Oct. 22, 1986

Africa’s first human rights charter took effect, six years after it was drafted, clearing the way for appointment of a commission to investigate alleged atrocities and repression. Leaders of countries ratifying the charter are to choose the commission’s 11 members. It will be the first group with such investigative power on a continent where nearly every government has been accused of human rights violations. The commission will have no enforcement powers, however. The charter will be administered by the 50-member Organization of African Unity.