The Role of National Human Rights Institutions at the International and Regional Levels: The Experience of Africa [Hardcover]

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), defined by the UN as bodies established to promote and protect human rights, have increased in number since the General Assembly adopted principles governing their effectiveness in 1993. The UN and others have encouraged states to set up such institutions as an indication of their commitment to human rights, and now over 20 such institutions exist in Africa and many more will follow. These institutions have taken various forms including ombudsmen, commissions, or a combination of the two. They differ in terms of how they are established; some by constitution, some by legislation and some by decree. These NHRIs have varying functions, usually both promotional and protective, such as giving advice to government, parliament, and others, making recommendations on compliance with human rights standards, awareness raising, and analysis of law and policy. Despite the considerable variations in the method of their creation, powers and composition, most of these institutions have chosen or indeed been mandated, to become involved in international and regional fora. This book examines these institutions in the African region, the way in which they use the international and regional fora, the effectiveness of their contributions and how they are able to participate.This book examines the National Human Rights Institutions in Africa, in terms of how they operate and their effectiveness.Rachel Murray is a Professor of Law at the University of Bristol.

This book is an excellent piece for the busy practitioner, students and bureaucrats who want to find what they want in an instant without having to scan through voluminous material&It is written in such a way that both the lay person and the most sophisticated professional will be able to follow&a book one must have on one's desk or bookshelf. It is a useful tool for activists and lobbyists of human rights, including NGOs, academics, NHRIs, government officials, international organisatló2