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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The OAU and political economy of human rights in Africa
Author:Mathews, K.ISNI
Year:1989
Periodical:The African Review: A Journal of African Politics, Development and International Affairs (ISSN 0856-0056)
Volume:16
Issue:1-2
Pages:82-97
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:OAU
African organizations
human rights
offences against human rights
politics
Organization of African Unity
Economic and social development
Abstract:The story of the struggle for human rights in Africa has not been a particularly promising one. The record of OAU members in the field of human rights has been simply appalling, and this has raised serious moral issues for the OAU. In line with all international organizations which are based on the principle of the sovereign equality of member States, the OAU African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which came into force in 1986, specifically forbids interference in the domestic affairs of any of its member States. This has meant that no discussion, let alone decision, can take place dissociating Africa, at least rhetorically, from the repugnant policies pursued by many African tyrants. The author stresses that all of Africa's problems, and its predicament, are a reflection of the state of human rights on the continent. Human rights are both an end and a means in the struggle for liberation and development in Africa. International agreements alone cannot guarantee the protection of human rights anywhere. Only eternal vigilance by the people to resist authority, when abused, can provide the answer to authoritarianism and abuse of human rights. Notes, ref.
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