HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RULE OF LAW IN AFRICA

Cyril Emeka Ejike

Abstract


The aim of this paper is to contend that human rights are protected by the rule of law and thus arbitrary breach or suspension of the rule of law amounts to a violation of human rights. Besides, this paper attempts to discuss some conditions necessary for the maintenance of the rule of law and human rights. The rest of this paper will conceptualize the terms, human rights and the rule of law. It will thereafter discuss their connections and cases of their contraventions in Africa. Finally, the paper will draw a conclusion.

Full Text:

PDF

References


Aljazeera (2017, March 9). Remains of opposition activist Solo Sandeng exhumed.

Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com

Amaechi, I. (2019, February 14). The odds against Buhari on Saturday. Vanguard

Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com

Bazza, M. B. & Udeagbala, L. O. (2018). Human rights and religious

fundamentalism in the north east of Nigeria. In A. Kanu & E. J. O. Ndubisi

(Eds.). Human rights in Africa: Perspective within the ecology of religion, history

and governance. (pp. 217-230). Mauritius: Lambert academic Publishing.

Criddle, E. J. & Fox-Decent, E. (2012). Human rights, emergencies, and the rule of

law. Human Rights Quarterly, 34, (1): 39-87. Retrieved from

https://www.jstor.org/stable/41345471

Donnelly, S. J. M. (2006). Reflecting on the rule of law: Its reciprocal relation with

rights, legitimacy, and other concepts and institutions. The Annals of the

American Academy of Political and Social Science, 603: 37-53. Retrieved from

https://www.jstor.org/stable/25097756

Ejike, E. C. (2018). Violation of social contracts: An impediment to national

integration in Nigeria. Paper Presented at the 2018 Faculty of Arts Annual

International Conference on “Humanities, Ethnicity and National

Integration†at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State,

Nigeria, May 18.

Ejike, E. C. (2018). Terrorism and human rights in Nigeria: A moral perspective.

In A. Kanu & E. J. O. Ndubisi (Eds.). Human rights in Africa: Perspective

within the ecology of religion, history and governance. (pp. 217-230). Mauritius:

Lambert academic Publishing.

Ekwutosi, C. M. (2006). Basic issues in ethics. Nimo: Rex Charles & Patrick Ltd.

Elegido, J. M. (1994). Jurisprudence. Ibadan: Spectrum Law Series.

Enemuo, F. C. (2000). Democracy, human rights and the rule of law. In R.

Anifowose & F. C. Enemuo (Eds.). Elements of politics. (pp. 141-155). Yaba:

San Iroanusi Publications.

Gambia 2017/2018 Amnesty International. Retrieved September 30, 2019, from

https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/africa/gambia/report-gambia/

Gambia Probes Human Rights Abuses of Jammeh’s Regime, 16 October 2018.

Retrieved September 28, 2019, from

https://leadership.ng/2018/10/16/gambia-probes-human-rights-abusesof-jammehs-regime/

Hickman, T. R. (2005). Between human rights and the rule of law: Indefinite

detention and derogation model of constitutionalism. The Modern Law

Review, 68 (4): 655-668. Retrieved from

https://www.jstor.org/stable/3699208

Human Rights Watch (2019). Our hands are tied: Erosion of the rule of law in

Zimbabwe. Retrieved October 6, 2019, from

https://www.hrw.org/report/2008/11/08/our-hands-are-tied/erosionrule-law-zimbabwe

Igwe, O. (2004). Politics and globe dictionary. Enugu: Zik Chuks Nig.

International Commission of Jurist (2005). The Berlin Declaration: The ICJ

declaration of upholding human rights and the rule of law in combating

terrorism. Human Rights Quartely, 27 (1): 350-356. Retrieved from

https://www.jstor.org/stable/20069788

Lagos Conference (1961). African conference on the rule of law. Report of the

Proceedings. Geneve: International Commission of Jurists.

Locke, J. (2003). Two treatise of government and a letter concerning toleration. I.

Shapiro, (Ed). New Haven and London: Yale University, Press.

Mujuzi, J. D. (2012). The rule of law: approaches of the African Commission on

human and peoples’ rights and selected African states. African Human

Rights Law Journal, 12: 89-111.

Nickel, J. (2014). Human rights. Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. Retrieved from

https://plato.stanford

Nnochiri, I. (2017, December 17). Biafra: Court orders Kanu’s release from

detention. Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved from

https://www.vanguardngr.com

Nnochiri, I. (2019, September 24). Breaking: Court orders DSS to release Sowore

immediately. Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved from

https://www.vanguardngr.com

Obaseki, A. O. (1992). The judiciary and human rights. In A. U. Kalu & Y.

Osibanjo (Eds.). Perspectives on human rights (pp. 246-272). Lagos: Federal

Ministry of Justice.

Odimegwu, I. F. H. (2009). Emerging issues in human rights and human rights

education in

Nigeria. In M. Ikejiani-Clark (Ed.), Peace Studies and conflict resolution in

Nigeria: A

Reader. (pp. 351-375). Ibadan: Spectrum Books Limited.

Okakwu, E. (2017, June 11). Special report: How Buhari administration serially

disobeys court orders. Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved from

https://www.premiumtimesng.com

Omeregbe, J. I. (1993). Ethics: A systematic and historical study. Ikeja: Joja

Educational Research and Publishers.

Omeregbe, J. I. (1994). An introduction to philosophical jurisprudence. Lagos: Joja

Educational Research and Publishers Ltd.

Omeregbe, J. I. (2007). Socio-political philosophy and international relations: A

systematic and historical study (Vol. 1). Ikeja: Joja Educational Research and

Publishers Ltd.

Oruche, J. O. (1989). Basic issues of human rights protection. Onitsha: Etukokwu

Publishers

Nigeria Ltd.

Oyeneye, I., Onyenwenu, M., & Olosunde, E. B. (2006). Round-up government: A

complete guide, Second edition. Ikeja: Learn Africa Plc.

The United Nations (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved

from https://www.un.org/en/univeral-declaration-human-rights

Udogu, E. I. (2004). Human rights and minorities: A theoretical overview. In P. T.

Zeleza & P. J. McConnaughay (Eds.). Human rights, the rule of law and

development in Africa. (pp. 81-93). Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania

Press.

United Nations and the Rule of Law (n.d.). Rule of law and human rights.

Retrieved from https://www.un.org/rule of law/rule-of-law-and-humanrights/

Zimmerli, C. H. (1971). Human rights and the rule of law in Southern Rhodesia.

The International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 20 (2): 239-300. Retrieved

from https://www.jstor.org/stable/758031


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.