A Human Rights Manual and Sourcebook for Africa (original) (raw)

2005

Abstract

This critical manual is the first of its kind for the African Region and will prove an invaluable resource to Human Rights practitioners, academics and interested parties. At a time when the issue of human rights in Africa is making many advances, this publication introduces easy-to-use jurisprudence that turns a previously difficult research task into a simple procedure. The Africa section looks at 13 countries in depth while the manual and all the jurisprudence covers the whole region. The first section covers key principles and human rights norms which are detailed in straightforward language so as to ensure it is accessible and comprehensible. The second section is devoted to the death penalty, detailing the relevant provisions from both international and regional instruments and offering a comparative commentary as to how the principles and relevant rights relate to the death penalty. The third section summarizes key case-law from international, regional and domestic African courts and tribunals. The case summaries detail the facts and decisions and for quick reference include a headnote of relevant concepts. The fourth section focuses on 13 African countries but the reports are a useful comparative resource for all countries. From conducting the research and compiling the material for this final section, it is apparent that nothing like this has been attempted before in Africa. Much of the work emanates from primary research and investigation conducted by local research teams in the individual countries. Investigative research techniques varied from spending days outside official buildings to visiting prisons, physically counting the individuals on death row and interviewing the detainees to obtain their age and the length of time they had been on death row. These Country Files provide an overview of each country's criminal justice system and legal framework, applicable international standards and statistical information. Most importantly the relevant Constitutional provisions are quoted and where available, details of cases in which constitutional challenges have been made are summarised.

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