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In Defense Of Human Rights, Karima Bennoune
In Defense Of Human Rights, Karima Bennoune
Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law
This Article argues that international human rights law, and the human rights movement more generally, need more defenders than critics in the current international political environment. Groups ranging from academics to governments have taken stances critical of human rights, and this Article seeks to defend the rights framework from some of these while also arguing for the importance of human rights in today's world. Noting that the field of human rights is not beyond criticism, this Article embraces some of those criticisms. However, it suggests that human rights law specialists need to spend at least as much time defending human …
Human Rights In Africa: Observations On The Implications Of Economic Priority, Minasse Haile
Human Rights In Africa: Observations On The Implications Of Economic Priority, Minasse Haile
Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law
Serious internal obstacles also block adequate realization of civil and political rights in Africa. The colonial legacy, rising popular expectations for a better life, subversion from abroad and the absence of strong national cohesion will engender political instability in African political systems that give free rein to the exercise of civil and political rights. Moreover, even if one assumes a democratic political system would be viable politically, that system may succumb to demands for increased consumption rather than promote adequate investment in infrastructure. In either event, democratic political systems will tend to be unstable, with the result that economic development …