UKWELI Monitoring and Documenting Human Rights violations in Africa: a handbook

Abstract

The African Charter on Human and People 's Right was adopted by African governments as far back as 1986. Yet the incidence of human rights violations remains a cause for concern on the continent. The deregulation and privatisation of African economies in response to global economic pressures and interests has led to growing social and economic inequalities, and increasing human rights abuses. Rising crime rates tend to harden public attitudes towards criminals, breeding acceptance of intolerance, ill-treatment, torture and the death penalty. Shoot-to-kill policies are now common. Millions of civilians have lost their lives in wars fuelled by unregulated international arms trade and the presence of foreign troops and mercenaries. Occurring simultaneously with all these developments is the presence of an increasing number of African human rights defenders. These men and women document and denounce human rights abuses, challenge repressive, discriminatory and dictatorial regimes,...