Towards effective human rights education in Africa

Abstract

"Human rights education (hereinafter HRE) squarely fits into the promotional mandate or obligation [of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights]. The Commission is implementing its promotional mandate by disseminating copies of the Charter [African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights] and sensitising governments about their responisiblities to citizens. There are also ongoing thematic human rights conferences, workshops and ad hoc training programmes throughout the continent. In addition, human rights are taught in some states over the continent as a subject by itself, especially in law faculties of universities, or as a component of interdisciplinary courses. But still, observers and specialists, notably teachers of higher education, who have a certain amount of experience in HRE, admit that there exists no African system of HRE stricto sensu. Many African states do not also have HRE programmes proper. This paper stresses the importance of HRE to avoid violations of human rights and pleads for practical steps by African states to carry out their obligations with respect to promotion of human rights. It also suggests the effective usage of the African Commission's mandate of examination of states reports for monitoring and co-ordination of HRE activities. It will do these by laying down a framework for planning, implementaiton and co-ordination of HRE programmes. ... Chapter one provides background to the study, identifies the problems to be tackled, summarises the relevant literature and introduces the objectives, hypotheses, methodology and scope of the study. Chapter two defines human rights and HRE. It also lists the goals of HRE and discusses the importance of the same. Moreover, it identifies normative foundations for HRE. Chapter three discusses the elements of efficient programmes for HRE. It identifies factors of effectiveness of HRE programmes from its design to its implementation. Chapter four deals with the role of state and non-state actors in HRE and suggests ways of building partnership samong the actors and co-ordination of efforts by the African Commission. Chapter five concludes the paper and provides [a] list of recommendations for effective HRE in Africa." -- Introduction.