Assessment guidelines Produce a 5000-word critical essay exploring a relevant human rights issue (+/- 10%) (excluding the list of references)
Task: Write a critical essay exploring a relevant human rights issue of no more than 5000 words on the topic “An Assessment of the Strengths and Weaknesses of the African Human Rights system in dealing with massive human rights violations.”
You must ensure that you use the OSCOLA style of referencing. Please indicate the word count length at the end of your assignment.
1. Introduction
General background on the topic you are going to discuss. Possible definitions for terms relating to the question.
What the essay will include and/or leave out (scope).
What themes the essay will discuss and the order they are presented.
What the essay will argue / demonstrate (thesis statement).
2. Literature Review
The following structure can be used for discussion of the themes that you have identified:
– Solid knowledge of the filed where the research is taking place.
– Critically identify and evaluate key literature
– the ability to construct an international legal argument
– the ability to offer original insights on the topic
3. Critical Analysis
The purpose and aim of the concept is accurately communicated to the audience; identifies main argument; analyzes aspects ; organizes the report in order for audience to understand; provides implications and future directions for study (implications/recommendations for further study)
4. Conclusions
Links back to the themes identified in the introduction.
A reminder of what the essay has argued.
A recap of the main themes that have been discussed.
5. Formatting and Referencing (list of references not included in word count)
High quality presentation of the material that conforms to principles of academic writing and contains minimal errors in sentence construction, grammar and punctuation. The assignment followed appropriate academic conventions regarding in-text citations and referencing.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Working Title:
An assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the African Human Rights Systems in dealing with massive human rights violations
Abstract (250 words)
Explain the key area(s) that you intend to write and why they interest you.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
These systems are designed to promote and protect huma rights as well as providing mechanisms for redress in cases of violations across the African Continent.
Not withstanding the diligence and integrity of the system, there are significant challenges in its working system.
Key areas of interest are:
The system’s institutional and legal framework as compared to the Ecowas Courts – powers with respect to implementing judgments and recommendations and that which is more binding on states.
Challenges as to implementation of African Charter as well as policies, procedures, judgements and recommendations.
It must also be noted that many African states face significant political, economic, and social challenges that hinder their ability to implement human rights obligations.
Endemic Corruption in most African states which undermine the implementation of the African Charter and the realisation of human rights
Regional cooperation as well as the incompatibility of African cultures with Human rights. One such example is female genital mutilation.
All of this impact the capacity of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) which plays a crucial role in the implementation of human rights standards which must be strengthen to enhance the overall efficacy of the system.
Indicative Bibliography
provide at least 5 relevant references
Banda, F. ‘The African Human Rights System: A Critical Analysis’ (2018) 12 African Journal of Legal Studies 1.
Murray, R. ‘Human Rights in Africa: From the OAU to the African Union’ (2004) 4 African Human Rights Law Journal 1.
Oko, O. ‘The Role of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in the Protection of Human Rights in Africa’ (2015) 15 African Human Rights Law Journal 1.
African Union, ‘African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ (1986) ; accessed 28 November 2024
African Union, ‘Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ (1998) ; accessed 28 November 2024.