International Human Rights Law: Institutions And Procecdures

International Human Rights Law: Institutions and Procedures HUMR#4110 Lecture Outline Girmachew A. Aneme

The African and Inter-American Human Rights Systems

1. Introduction-The Framework

1.1 Regionalism vs. Universalism

Issue: If the existence of regional systems for the protection of human rights is compatible with the universal system of human rights and the universality of human rights.

References:

Robertson, A.H. and J.G. Merrills (1996), Human Rights in the World, Manchester University Press, PP. 266-273 Steiner, Henry and Philip Alston (2000), International Human Rights in Context- Law, Politics, Morals, Oxford University Press, PP. 779-786 Vasak, Karel (1982), ‘Introduction’, in Karel Vasak (ed), The International Dimensions of Human Rights, Greenwood Press, Vol.2, PP.451-455 Weston, Burns H. et al (1987), ‘Regional Human Rights Regimes: A Comparison and Appraisal’, 20 Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, PP. 586-592

2. The Inter-American System of Human Rights

2.1 Origin and Structures

2.1 Unique Features

References:

Trindade, Antonio A.C., (2000), ‘Current State and Perspectives of the Inter- American System of Human Rights Protection at the Dawn of the New Century’, 5 Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law Cosgrove, Micheal F.(2000), ‘Protecting the Protectors:Preventing the decline of the Inter-American system for the Protection of Human Rights’, 32 Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law. Cerna, Christina M., (1997), ‘International law and the Protection of Human Rights in the Inter-American System’, 19 Houston Journal of International law 3. The African System of Human Rights

3.1 Origin and Structures

3.2 Unique Features

References:

D’Sa, R.M. (1983), ‘The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Problems and prospects fro Regional Action’, Australian Yearbook of International law Gittleman, Richard (1982), ‘The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: A legal analysis’, Virginia Journal of International law Mutua, Makau wa (1995), ‘The Banjul Charter and the African Cultural Fingerprint: An Evaluation of the Language of Duties’, Virginia Journal of International law.

4. Conclusions

Are the regional systems successful (effective) in the protection of human rights?

Reference:

Weston, Burns H. et al (1987), ‘Regional Human Rights Regimes: A Comparison and Appraisal’, 20 Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law