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This volume is a comprehensive treatment of the African human rights system in terms of the laws, practice, and institutions of the system. The volume discusses, analyzes, and evaluates normative instruments of the African system: the Charter of the Organization of the African Unity (OAU), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, presenting article-by-article analysis of its provisions and those of the Protocol on the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. Similarly the OAU (now the African Union), the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, and the proposed African Court on Human Rights, as institutions of the system, are discussed. The book emphasizes a comparative approach and presents a summary of the UN, the European and the Inter-American human rights mechanisms with regard to their impact on the African system. The role of NGOs in the African system is also considered, as well as the controversial issue of human rights in pre-colonial and colonial Africa

Reports on the Montreal Principles on women's economic, social, & cultural rights that were adopted at a meeting of experts held 7-10 Dec 2002 in Montreal, Canada. The scope of gender inequality experienced by women who are disproportionately affected by poverty & social/cultural marginalization is described. It is maintained that the lack of full economic, social, & cultural rights contributes to women's economic dependence & prevents personal autonomy/empowerment. A detailed definition of women's economic, social, & cultural rights is followed by a description of the general principles of equality/nondiscrimination; structural impediments to women's equal exercise & enjoyment of rights; & the state's legal obligation to enforce those rights. It is emphasized that states are required to establish & maintain effective mechanisms for enforcing women's economic, social, & cultural rights, including courts/tribunals, administrative authorities, & national human rights institutions. States must also assure that all women have access to the institutions & mechanisms that enforce & implement their rights. 1 Appendix. J. Lindroth

The Legacy Program of the Special Court for Sierra Leone is explored. The process of planning the Special Court is examined, emphasizing the extent of its continuity with previous international criminal tribunals & the formation of the Legacy Working Group, which is responsible for directing the courts completion. It is demonstrated that the Legacy Working Group has stressed the creation of an international criminal tribunal that would promote the rule of law, advance international human rights & international law, encourage collaboration between the court & nongovernmental organizations, & further the advancement of the Sierra Leonean legal profession. Attention is then dedicated to reviewing the Special Court's three legacy projects, eg, the improvement of the nations legal resources; moreover, it is noted that extra-judicial actors have recommended establishing a public defense system in Sierra Leone. Despite these significant steps forward, it is noted that several internal & external factors could jeopardize the Special Courts legacy programs, eg, public perception that the court is biased & the inability to acquire funding from international sources. J. W. Parker