Africa and the Universality of Human Rights (Nijhoff Law Specials, 107)

This book argues that, notwithstanding problems encountered on the ground in some situations, African governments, peoples, and institutions have firmly endorsed the universality of human rights as defined in international human rights law. It explores the endorsement of the values of human dignity, equality, respect, and democratic governance reflected by their participation in the United Nations, the African Union, and in sub-regional organizations, as well as their adoption of stunning Democracy Charters. The African Commission and Court of Human Rights have repeatedly affirmed the universality of human rights, as have spearhead institutions such as the Constitutional Court of South Africa. The volume concludes that the fifty-four African States in the United Nations stand proudly in support of universal human rights as defined in international and African human rights law.

Bertrand G. Ramcharan has previously carried out the functions of Director, Africa Division, UN Department of Political Affairs and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. He wrote the first draft of what the OAU (now the AU) subsequently adopted as the institutional parts of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.