Volume: Volume 17 - 2013

Article type: Refereed article

Author/s: Theu, Bright

In this rather short article, I share a few experiences of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) in advancing human rights using the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and related instruments through litigation. By reference to a sampling of cases litigated by, or with the participation of IHRDA before the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and a few domestic courts, I endeavour to illustrate the practical use of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and related human rights instruments and mechanisms in advancing human rights in Africa. The article ends by observing that the existence of supra-national mechanisms for redressing human rights violations, commendable as they are, should not generate a euphoria that diverts efforts from strengthening and perfecting domestic jurisdictions which are the primary duty bearers for the vindication of rights.

Click to view and download article