African States and the right to freedom from torture: an international perspective

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	African States and the right to freedom from torture: an international perspective
Author:	Mujuzi, Jamil Ddamulira
Year:	2008
Periodical:	East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights
Volume:	14
Issue:	1
Pages:	103-123
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	torture international law
External link:	https://www.ajol.info/index.php/eajphr/article/view/39367
Abstract:	The right to freedom from torture is one of the few non-derogable rights but paradoxically also one of the most violated rights in many countries in Africa. This is the case notwithstanding the fact that almost all constitutions in African countries prohibit torture. African countries are also parties to regional human rights instruments like the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights which specifically prohibit torture under article 5. Many African countries are moreover also States parties to international human rights and humanitarian law instruments that prohibit torture. This article examines the extent to which African countries have complied with their obligation to put an end to torture under the relevant international human rights and humanitarian law obligations. The article recommends that African countries have to take their obligations under the treaties they ratify seriously to ensure that they put an end to the violations of the right to freedom from torture. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]