Enforcement of International Human Rights Law in Africa

Abstract

Systemic (non)enforcement or partial enforcement of African international human rights law may erode or bolster the confidence by its constituents in the commitments and rule of law credentials of the members of the African international human rights regime. It may also undermine or strengthen the credibility in the effectiveness and added value of the African international human rights system. This chapter analyzes the ways and means through which African international human rights law generates "impact". The chapter shows the extent of its multi-layered, multi-dimensional and multicontextual nature by exploring the richness and diversity of actors populating the field of African international human rights law offering their expertise and know-how as well as the diverse and numerous practices, methods and techniques through which international human rights law is given effect and brought home in Africa.

Keywords: African Human Rights System, African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, African Union, Impact, Compliance, Implementation, Obedience, Accountability