Africa Center for Strategic Studies’ Post

All African states are signatories to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights of 1981, which upholds fundamental civil and political rights, like the freedom of speech and assembly, the right to free and fair elections for citizens to select their representatives, equal treatment under the law and a fair trial, and the prohibition against torture. The framers of the African Charter foresaw scenarios where national courts would be unwilling or unable to handle cases involving the abuse of power by the executive branch. They recognized that in such cases, citizens needed an avenue to table their complaints and receive redress for wrongs committed after exhausting domestic mechanisms. The OAU, later the African Union, granted legal authority to uphold and interpret the African Charter to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Today, the sheer number of cases in the Court’s docket shows that the Court continues to have the confidence of citizens around the continent as a “court of last resort” when they cannot pursue justice through domestic channels.

Based on the above, we invite the attention of international human rights organizations to the flagrant cases of violation of democracy and human rights in Armenia. We call on the Council of Europe to strongly condemn the continuous decline of democracy in Armenia and gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.” https://lnkd.in/d_cAZtx2

🚨 PRESS RELEASE: CLAIHR has observed with alarm a widespread pattern of State-level repression of pro-Palestine and pro-Palestinian views, opinions and expressions over the past year. Over the past 12 months we have witnessed a rapid deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Canada, a situation which has continued to worsen in recent weeks. CLAIHR is urgently calling on Rapporteurs from both the United Nations (UN) and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to respond to this dangerous erosion of fundamental freedoms of opinion, expression, assembly and association in Canada. See our full press release in ENG and FR: https://lnkd.in/gC_SWM29

We strongly condemn the latest legislative package introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which threatens the fundamental rights and #freedoms of the LGBTI community in #Georgia. The "Family Values and Protection of Minors" package aims to ban same-sex marriage and legal gender recognition, censor the media and the arts, and severely limit freedom of assembly. These regressive measures not only target the #LGBTI community but also erode democratic freedoms across Georgian society and contravene many of Georgia’s own domestic laws, as well as international human rights standards. We stand in solidarity with Georgian #civilsociety, which has faced increasing threats and violence under a government that is drawing from the Russian playbook of authoritarianism. With parliamentary #elections scheduled for 26 October 2024, there is a critical need to protect democratic rights and prevent the adoption of laws that violate international standards on fundamental rights, rule of law and democracy. We call on the international community, including #EU institutions, the Council of Europe, and their Member States to apply diplomatic pressure, including the use of targeted sanctions against #Georgian leaders responsible for human rights violations, and we urge continued financial support for Georgian civil society groups, particularly those defending LGBTI rights, to ensure their resilience in this challenging period. Photo: TEMIDA

💡🔴 Q&A with UN-Mandated Experts: Human Rights Violations in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory | UN Human Rights Council 🔴💡 Description: On 11 December 2024, four independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council spoke to the press on human rights violations in Gaza and across the occupied Palestinian territory. • Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 • Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers • Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism • George Katrougalos, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work voluntarily; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. #WARonHUMANITY #anarchy #anarchism #freedom #socialism #multilateralism #multipolarity #diplomacy #usa #israel #apartheidisrael #palestine #lebanon #iran #russia #syria ___ We are all on a collective journey towards Decolonization, De-Globalization, and the dissolvement of all forms of capitalized state wealth consolidation { individual and collective corruption }. Thus the necessity of shifting towards #BRICS Multipolarity and Multilateralism, and actively shifting away from Collective Western Hegemony. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Apartheid Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is illegal and that it should come to an end “as rapidly as possible”. ___ Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. ___ The Collective Standoff of Humanity | Humankind against Oppression, Occupation, Colonization, Western Imperialism & Colonialism, and Collective Punishment ( Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, War Crimes ) is the way forward into the Multi-Polar Age. #BDS , #BDS_Movement , #Sanctions , #Divestment , #MilitaryEmbargo , #StopArmingIsrael , #StopFundingGenocide , #BRICS , #NewWorldOrder , #MultiPolarAge , #UNReform , #GenocideByVeto ... #InvokeArticle6 #FreePalestine , #EndZionism , #EndApartheid , #NOW , #OrElse , #FreePalestineNow , #EndZionismNow , #EndApartheidNow https://lnkd.in/d4dSMnDv

Every citizen and every person for the time being in Pakistan enjoys protection of laws of land---Such laws and Constitution are like a protective shield guarding life, liberty, reputation, body and property of persons within Pakistan---Any action adverse to rights of a person must therefore be through the mechanism or in accordance with laws which protect such persons---To be treated in accordance with law is to proceed against a person strictly under the law which provides protection to the persons in the first place---Right to fair trial under Art.10-A of the Constitution further buttresses Art.4 of the Constitution---Right to fair trial provides for determination or civil rights and obligations of a person through a fair trial and due process---Executive action, instructions or policy, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot hold ground unless those are backed by law. -2023 C L C 182 #LahoreHighCourt #LHC #Equality

August 2024 Dear High Commissioner, We, current and former UN and international human rights and legal experts and organisations as well as Nobel laureates and statesmen serving democracy and human rights, write following the publication of a landmark report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding Iran’s atrocity crimes over the past 45 years…

DID YOU KNOW? As a Nigerian citizen, you have the power to challenge laws or executive actions violating your fundamental human rights! The Law is on Your Side The Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, under Section 46(1) of the 1999 Constitution, allows anyone to apply to the High Court for a declaration that any law or executive action is invalid ¹. What's more, Section 1(3) states that you don't need a direct interest in the matter to challenge it! Your Rights, Guaranteed The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act ensures every individual's rights and freedoms recognized in the Charter. Key Takeaways - Executive Powers vs. Citizen Rights: Where do we draw the line? - Judicial Review of Laws and Policies: How effective is our system? - Active Citizenship and Participatory Democracy: Are we doing enough? Know Your Rights! Let's spark meaningful conversations and empower each other to uphold our rights! #NigerianLaw #HumanRights #FundamentalRights #Constitution #Democracy #ActiveCitizenship #FMoJNigeria #NHRCNigeria #NASSNigeria https://lnkd.in/dm4fFMCD

🌟 Day 177 - Grant Number 163 - Grant Alert: 🌟 🌐 Call for Proposals: Global Initiative Against Impunity for International Crimes and Serious Human Rights Violations: Making Justice Work 📅 Opening Date: July 17, 2024 📅 Closing Date: August 17, 2024, 23:59 CET 💰 Grant Budget: EUR 30,000 – EUR 80,000 ⏳ Grant Duration: 6 to 18 months The European Union co-founds the Global Initiative Against Impunity, aiming to confront impunity and advance justice for serious human rights violations globally. This initiative is implemented by a consortium led by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and includes notable partners such as Civil Rights Defenders and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR). We invite proposals that: - Enhance the participation of victims and civil society in justice processes. - Improve accountability frameworks and systems against impunity. - Support comprehensive justice and accountability for human rights violations. Successful proposals will demonstrate: - Sustainability beyond the support period. - Cost-effectiveness and efficiency. - Inclusivity, ensuring diverse community benefits. Eligibility: - Non-profit CSOs, including those operating in exile, engaged in fighting impunity or supporting holistic justice processes. For detailed guidelines on application and to understand the full scope of support and project criteria, please visit [Insert Link to Guidelines or Application Portal]. 📧 For further inquiries or to submit your proposals, please contact: makingjusticework@civilrightsdefenders.org. 📝 Join our info sessions on: - July 23, 11:00 CET (English) - July 23, 17:00 CET (Spanish) - July 24, 10:00 CET (Russian) - July 24, 14:00 CET (Arabic) - July 25, 11:00 CET (French) Register here: https://lnkd.in/dmFJPan9 Let’s collaborate to strengthen the global response to serious crimes and human rights violations, promoting a culture of accountability and respect for human rights worldwide. 🌍✊ #HumanRights #Justice #Accountability #GlobalInitiative #EU #CivilRights #Impunity #LegalReform #NGOs #SocialImpact #RuleOfLaw #GlobalJustice #HumanRightsAdvocacy #InternationalLaw #TransitionalJustice #CivilSociety #Humanitarian #GlobalDevelopment #EUProjects #PeaceBuilding #AntiImpunity

📰 The article from Issue 3/2024 at AJEE: Addressing Human Rights Violations in the Criminal Justice System of Kazakhstan: The Role of the Prosecutor's Office and a Call for Legislative Reforms 🕊️ Authors: Kanatay Dalmatov, Daniyar Nurmukhanbet, Kairat Yernishev, Akynkozha Zhanibekov, Bakhyt Altynbassov Human rights violations remain a significant issue within Kazakhstan's criminal justice system, despite the country’s formal commitments to international human rights standards 📜⚖️ It explores: 🔎 The gap between legal mandates and actual practices in protecting human rights 💼 The pivotal role of the prosecutor's office in safeguarding rights ⚖️ Systemic challenges and instances of abuse 📑 The pressing need for legislative reforms to strengthen justice and human rights protections This comprehensive study is grounded in an analysis of international treaties, national legislation, and reports from renowned human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. This article is a must-read for policymakers, human rights advocates, and legal scholars focused on criminal justice reform. It offers valuable insights into how legislative changes could improve human rights protections in Kazakhstan 🌍🔐 📎Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d7Mfk9NH #HumanRights #Kazakhstan #CriminalJusticeReform #HumanRightsProtection #AccessToJusticeInEasternEurope #AJEE #AccessToJustice