Download or read book Protecting the rights of minorities in Africa A guide for human rights activists and civil society organizations written by Ibrahima Kane and published by Minority Rights Group. This book was released on 2008-12-04 with total page 114 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Unlike the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (hereinafter referred to as the African Charter) and the subsequent African human rights treaties do not consider minorities as a legal category recognized in African human rights law. In a continent where most of the armed conflicts between 1963 and 1998, which affected more than 60 per cent of the population, were due to severe identity or religious differences, this seems hardly understandable. It is all the more incomprehensible if we consider that the regional human rights protection system, set up thanks to the activism of President Léopold Sédar Senghor, is aimed mainly at addressing ‘Africa’s real needs‘. Is this omission the result of a deliberate attempt by those who drafted these various conventions to ignore the existence of minorities completely, or does it reflect the realistic approach which, in the late 1970s, required ‘a common [legal] denominator’ to be established among African countries, prior to a political, economic and social evolution that could pave the way for more effective protection of collective rights taking place? This second option is the one which seems to have prevailed, because, as emphasized by Chairman Kéba Mbaye regarding the African Charter, ‘the writers [of the Charter] were satisfied with making vague hypotheses with regard to several aspects. This approach … was intended to avoid frightening off the representatives of the States and to give way to a dynamic action by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.’ This implied that minorities could, by taking bold initiatives, assert before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) a right to the legal status recognized to certain groups, i.e. that of ‘oppressed people’. However, the democratization process the African States went through in the late 1990s, and in particular the advent of the African Union – which believes the development of African societies should enable Africans ‘to assume their identity and condition instead of having to be burdened by them – opened a new era for minorities, as the African States clearly committed themselves to promoting peace, safety and stability within the continent (Constitutive Act of the African Union, Article 3 (f)) and to ensuring that their actions are always based on such essential principles as respect for the sacrosanct nature of human life (Constitutive Act, Article 4 (o)), respect for democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law and good governance (Article 4 (m)), the promotion of equality between men and women (Article 4 (l)), and the condemnation and rejection of impunity. The new environment not only creates the conditions for effective consideration of the situation of minorities by African human rights law but also, more importantly, offers the possibility to all those who are directly interested in the issue to display more creativity and imagination in using the current regional legislation in order to promote and protect the rights of minorities in Africa. This guide is precisely designed to provide all those fighting for the recognition of the inalienable rights of minorities, including organizations created by and for minorities, human rights activists and lawyers, with legal tools that can enable them to cope with the numerous violations of their rights that they encounter on a daily basis. It is also designed to be an effective instrument in pleading the cause of human rights before African regional or sub-regional political institutions put in place to promote human rights in general and of minorities in particular. What is a minority? What are the rights minorities can claim, in the absence of a clear legal definition of ‘minority’, within African States? What are the regional or sub-regional bodies that can be turned to with regard to the implementation of, or advocacy for, these rights? How can the organizations promoting or defending the rights of minorities usefully employ these bodies to promote and defend their cause? How to ensure that the decisions taken by regional jurisdictions and political authorities are effectively implemented? This guide tries to provide useful insights into these questions. The ambition of this guide is to be not only a useful instrument helping in the promotion and defence of the rights of minorities but also an invaluable tool in the training of African activists on the law regarding minorities in Africa. Finally, MRG and its partners hope this guide will lay the foundations for a productive debate on the protection of the rights of minorities in Africa and will pave the way for the imminent elaboration of a treaty which would consider the specific rights of the legal category of minorities.
Download or read book Promoting and Protecting Minority Rights written by United Nations and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The present guide offers information related to norms and mechanisms developed to protect the rights of persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities. It includes detailed information about procedures and forums in which minority issues may be raised to minorities and by also covering selected specialized agencies and regional mechanisms, the present Guide complements information contained in Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society"--Introduction.
Download or read book Minorities and the State in Africa written by Chima Jacob Korieh and published by Cambria Press. This book was released on 2010 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Protecting the Rights of Minorities in Africa written by Ibrahima Kane (lawyer.) and published by Minority Rights Group. This book was released on 2008 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Minority Rights Group International (MRG) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to secure the rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide, and to promote cooperation and understanding between communities.
Download or read book Routledge Handbook of Non Violent Extremism written by Elisa Orofino and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2023-03-09 with total page 547 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Handbook provides the first in-depth analysis of non-violent extremism across different ideologies and geographic centres, a topic overshadowed until now by the political and academic focus on violent and jihadi extremism in the Global North. Whilst acknowledging the potentiality of non-violent extremism as a precursor to terrorism, this Handbook argues that non-violent extremism ought to be considered a stand-alone area of study. Focusing on Islamist, Buddhist, Hindu, far-right, far-left, environmentalist and feminist manifestations, the Handbook discusses the ideological foundation of their ‘war on ideas’ against the prevailing socio-political and cultural systems in which they operate, and provides an empirical examination of their main claims and perspectives. This is supplemented by a truly global overview of non-violent extremist groups not only in Europe and the United States, but also in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Middle East. The Handbook thus answers a call to decolonise knowledge that is especially prescient given both the complicity of non-violent extremists with authoritarian states and the dynamic of oppression towards more progressive groups in the Global South. The Handbook will appeal to those studying extremism, radicalisation and terrorism. It intersects several relevant disciplines, including social movement studies, political science, criminology, Islamic studies and anthropology.
Download or read book No Redress Somalia s Forgotten Minorities written by Martin J. D. Hill and published by Minority Rights Group. This book was released on 2010-11-23 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report documents the neglected situation of Somalia’s minorities. It aims to raise awareness of the continuing severe violations of their human rights, so that they can move from exclusion and poverty towards a future of dignity, equal opportunities and non-discrimination alongside their fellow citizens. The report examines the current situation in three regions of Somalia – Somaliland, Puntland and south-central Somalia – where differing political climates have left minorities in a state of desperation. Severe human rights violations against internally displaced minorities, particularly women, were reported to MRG’s researchers in Puntland. Accounts of hate speech, displacement and religious persecution, particularly of Christians, emerged in the violent south-central region of the country, where militant organization al-Shabaab controls much of the territory. Meanwhile, in the relatively peaceful self-declared Republic of Somaliland in north-western Somalia, minorities still face significant barriers in the political, educational and social spheres. MRG emphasizes, among other recommendations, that the future new Constitution of Somalia must recognize the country’s minorities and guarantee their right to non-discrimination; that the participation of minorities in public life should be promoted; and that special measures should be implemented to protect and promote the rights of women from minority communities. The report’s author, Martin Hill, is a specialist on Somali human rights. He has extensive experience of the Horn of Africa, having spent more than 30 years as a researcher for Amnesty International.
Download or read book Reflections on the Future of Human Rights written by Gentian Zyberi and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2023-07-31 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book aims to prospectively conjecture about what the coming decades may hold for human rights. The authors in this volume discern where current trends are likely to lead and try to make sense of the future they herald. Human rights – as a legal, political, and social practice – have experienced significant achievements and successes, some notable setbacks and failures, and numerous unprecedented and unforeseen events and developments. Sceptics even claim that the idea of human rights has failed to deliver on its radical promise of emancipation. The chapters in this volume deal with ways to reimagine the existing human rights framework, the future of the African human rights system, the place of human rights in economic policy-making, reparations for chattel slavery, and the right to free education for all children. The thematic and disciplinary breadth of contributions makes this book a resource for scholars, practitioners, and students alike. In analysing and critically discussing matters of climate change, right to a healthy environment, preventing disasters and building resilience, and resource management it provides timely and important contributions. However, the book does not limit itself to discussing current-day challenges, it also covers issues concerning the regulation of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making, as well as potential paths in the future relationship between the African and the European Human Rights Court. Reflections on the Future of Human Rights will be beneficial to students, scholars, and researchers interested in international law, human rights, and politics. Overall, the book is suitable for anyone interested in human rights and their evolution in theory and practice. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Nordic Journal of Human Rights.
Download or read book Training Manual on Human Rights Monitoring written by and published by New York : United Nations. This book was released on 2001 with total page 496 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This manual is one component of a two-part package of materials for training on human rights monitoring for UN human rights officers and other human rights monitors. This training manual provides practical guidance principally for the conduct of human rights monitoring in United Nations field operations, but it may also be useful to other human rights monitors. The two components of the package are designed to complement each other and, taken together, provide the basis for the conduct of programmes for human rights officers in field operations and for other human rights monitors, under the approach developed by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Download or read book Model Law on Access to Information for Africa and other regional instruments Soft law and human rights in Africa written by Ololade Shyllon and published by Pretoria University Law Press. This book was released on 2018-01-01 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Model Law on Access to Information for Africa and other regional instruments: Soft law and human rights in Africa Edited by Ololade Shyllon 2018 ISBN: 978-1-920538-87-3 Pages: 255 Print version: Available Electronic version: Free PDF available About the publication The adoption in 2013 of the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is an important landmark in the increasing elaboration of human rights-related soft law standards in Africa. Although non-binding, the Model Law significantly influenced the access to information landscape on the continent. Since the adoption of the Model Law, the Commission adopted several General Comments. The AU similarly adopted Model Laws such as the African Union Model Law on Internally Displaced Persons in Addressing Internal Displacement in Africa. This collection of essays inquires into the role and impact of soft law standards within the African human rights system and the AU generally. It assesses the extent to which these standards induced compliance, and identifies factors that contribute to generating such compliance. This book is a collection of papers presented at a conference organised by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, with the financial support of the government of Norway, through the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria. Following the conference, the papers were reviewed and reworked. Table of Contents Acknowledgments Preface Contributors Abbreviations and acronyms PART I: THE MODEL LAW AND ITS INFLUENCE ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN AFRICA Introduction Ololade Shyllon The impact of the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa Fola Adeleke Implementing a Model Law on Access to Information in Africa: Lessons from the Americas Marianna Belalba and Alan Sears The implementation of the constitutional right of access to information in Africa: Opportunities and challenges Ololade Shyllon PART II: COUNTRY STUDIES The Model Law on Access to Information for Africa and the struggle for the review and passage of the Ghanaian Right to Information Bill of 2013 Ugonna Ukaigwe The impact of the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa on Kenya’s Access to Information framework Anne Nderi The Sudanese Access to Information Act 2015: A step forward? Ali Abdelrahman Ali Compliance through decoration: Access to information in Zimbabwe Nhlanhla Ngwenya PART III: INFLUENCE OF SOFT LAW WITHIN THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM Soft law and legitimacy in the African Union: The case of the Pretoria Principles on Ending Mass Atrocities Pursuant to Article 4(h) of the AU Constitutive Act Busingye Kabumba The incorporation of the thematic resolutions of the African Commission into the domestic laws of African countries Japhet Biegon General Comment 1 of the African Commission of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights: A source of norms and standard setting on sexual and reproductive health and rights Ebenezer Durojaye The African Union Model Law on Internally Displaced Persons: A critique Romola Adeola Selected bibliography
Download or read book World Report 2019 written by Human Rights Watch and published by Seven Stories Press. This book was released on 2019-02-05 with total page 847 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The best country-by-country assessment of human rights. The human rights records of more than ninety countries and territories are put into perspective in Human Rights Watch's signature yearly report. Reflecting extensive investigative work undertaken by Human Rights Watch staff, in close partnership with domestic human rights activists, the annual World Report is an invaluable resource for journalists, diplomats, and citizens, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the fight to protect human rights in every corner of the globe.
Download or read book A Historical Guide to NGOs in Britain written by M. Hilton and published by Springer. This book was released on 2012-07-20 with total page 428 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Aiming to furnish the reader with the historical data to engage with the debates surrounding the Cameron government's 'Big Society' and civil society, this book gives the reader a greater and more informed historical consciousness of how the NGO sector has grown and influenced.
Download or read book The Price of Oil written by Bronwen Manby and published by Human Rights Watch. This book was released on 1999 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Attempts to Import Weapons
Download or read book Protecting the right to freedom of expression under the European Convention on Human Rights written by Bychawska-Siniarska, Dominika and published by Council of Europe. This book was released on 2017-08-04 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: European Convention on Human Rights – Article 10 – Freedom of expression 1. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises. 2. The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary. In the context of an effective democracy and respect for human rights mentioned in the Preamble to the European Convention on Human Rights, freedom of expression is not only important in its own right, but it also plays a central part in the protection of other rights under the Convention. Without a broad guarantee of the right to freedom of expression protected by independent and impartial courts, there is no free country, there is no democracy. This general proposition is undeniable. This handbook is a practical tool for legal professionals from Council of Europe member states who wish to strengthen their skills in applying the European Convention on Human Rights and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in their daily work.
Download or read book Legal standards on freedom of expression written by Singh, Avani and published by UNESCO Publishing. This book was released on 2018-12-31 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book National Human Rights Institutions written by and published by Professional Training. This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This publication introduces the reader to national human rights institutions (NHRIs). Its focus is on NHRIs as both cornerstones of national human rights protection and promotion, and links between States and the international human rights system. Respect for human rights requires the concerted effort of every Government, individual, group and organ in society. With this in mind, the publication is intended for all those who seek a basic understanding of NHRIs, the work they do, how they interact with States, civil society and the international community, and how to support their work.
Download or read book State of the World s Minorities and Indigenous Peoples 2016 written by Peter Grant and published by Minority Rights Group. This book was released on 2016-07-12 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The unique cultures of minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide – spanning a wide variety of customs and practices – are under threat. This year’s edition of State of the World’s Minorities and Indigenous Peoples highlights the impact of land dispossession, forced assimilation and other forms of discrimination on the most fundamental aspects of their identity, including language, art, traditional knowledge and spirituality. But while the effects of this attrition can be devastating, minority and indigenous cultures have also been critical in strengthening communities and providing activists with a platform to fight for their rights. As this volume illustrates, ensuring that the cultural freedoms of minorities and indigenous peoples are protected is essential if their other rights are also to be respected.
Download or read book Global Trends 2040 written by National Intelligence Council and published by Cosimo Reports. This book was released on 2021-03 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic marks the most significant, singular global disruption since World War II, with health, economic, political, and security implications that will ripple for years to come." -Global Trends 2040 (2021) Global Trends 2040-A More Contested World (2021), released by the US National Intelligence Council, is the latest report in its series of reports starting in 1997 about megatrends and the world's future. This report, strongly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, paints a bleak picture of the future and describes a contested, fragmented and turbulent world. It specifically discusses the four main trends that will shape tomorrow's world: - Demographics-by 2040, 1.4 billion people will be added mostly in Africa and South Asia. - Economics-increased government debt and concentrated economic power will escalate problems for the poor and middleclass. - Climate-a hotter world will increase water, food, and health insecurity. - Technology-the emergence of new technologies could both solve and cause problems for human life. Students of trends, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists and anyone eager for a glimpse into the next decades, will find this report, with colored graphs, essential reading.
