Enforcement of Human Rights in Africa: A Case Study on the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights

Abstract

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights was set up pursuant to the coming into force of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, saddled with the responsibilities of promoting and enforcing the rights of the African people and further checkmating human rights breaches amongst its member states. This paper will contend that the commission while performing its duties is faced with numerous challenges and setbacks which tend to dissuade it, and which have in fact, hindered the effective realization of the intendments of the African Charter and the expectations of the African people. A further detailed juxtaposition of the African system with its international counterpart is done which would serve as a benchmark in evaluating the achievements of the African Commission while enforcing human rights in the region in line with international standard and best practice.

Keywords: Human Rights, African Commission, Law

JEL Classification: International Human Rights Development