Protecting the rights of minorities in Africa: a guide for human rights activists and civil society organisations

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the subsequent African human rights treaties do not consider minorities as a legal category recognised in African human rights law. This guide outlines regional opportunities for minority rights protection in Africa, highlighting the legal as well as the institutional framework that is in place.

It is intended for use by representatives of minority communities and civil society organizations (CSOs) including organisations created by and for minorities, human rights activists and lawyers.

The legal tools provided are intended to act as an effective instrument helping in the promotion and defence of the rights of minorities andalso in the training of African activists on the law regarding minorities in Africa.

Chapters include:

• Introduction to the rights of minorities in international human rights law
• The legal framework for the promotion and protection of minorities’ rights In Africa
• Regional economic communities’ treaties
• Advocacy and litigation strategies
• Working with bodies responsible for the promotion and protection of the rights of minorities in Africa
• Monitoring bodies at regional level
• The political organs