The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights: The System in Practice 1986-2006

The African Charter of Human and Peoples' Rights came into force in 1986, and is unique in that it lacks a precedent. However, little scholarship exists analysing it as an operational system in practice. The success of the first edition of this book led to this updated second edition. Contributors include experts who have been actively involved in the implementation of the Charter - commissioners, NGOs and academics. Offering a detailed evaluation of the Charter as a mechanism for the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa, the contributions cover the Charter's reporting system, the interpretation of different rights by the Commission, the prospects for the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights and the role of NGOs. This authoritative and comprehensive volume will interest lawyers acting for government and non-governmental organisations, as well as academics and postgraduates.

Introduction: the African Charter and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Germain Baricako; 1. The African Union and the regional human rights system Gino Naldi; 2. The reporting mechanism of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights Malcolm Evans and Rachel Murray; 3. Communications under the African Charter: procedure and admissibility Frans Viljoen; 4. Evidence and fact finding by the African Commission Rachel Murray; 5. Civil and political rights in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights: Articles 1-7 Bronwen Manby; 6. Civil and political rights in the African Charter: Articles 8-14 Kolawole Olaniyan; 7. Group rights Clive Baldwin and Cynthia Morel; 8. The role of non-governmental organisations and national human rights institutions at the African Commission Nobuntu Mbelle; 9. A view from inside: the role of the Secretariat Fiona Adolu; 10. The special rapporteurs in the African system Rachel Murray; 11. Working groups of the African Commission and their role in developing the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights Bahame Tom Mukirya Nyanduga; 12. Creation of a new Court of Justice and Human Rights Ibrahima Kane and Ahmed C. Motala; 13. Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa Fareda Banda.