Human Rights in Africa [2615]

General Information

• Credits: 3 ECTS
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's or Licence level (or equivalent); proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to human rights in Africa, beginning with the concept of rights and the different categories and forms they may take. It then examines the African human rights system through key international and regional instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Particular attention is given to human rights violations and abuses through case studies from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and Ghana, focusing on women’s rights, prisoners’ rights, media freedom, elections and political violence. The course also explores the role of international and African human rights organisations, the media and religious organisations in promoting and protecting human rights across the continent.

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• be familiar with the concept of rights and related elements, including the categories and forms of rights;
• understand the concept of human rights in relation to the African context and experience;
• be familiar with the African human rights system and the key principles, pronouncements, and declarations underpinning it;
• develop a better understanding of the key issues surrounding human rights violations and abuses in Africa;
• appreciate the role of human rights organisations and institutions, the media, and religion in promoting and protecting human rights in Africa; and
• be familiar with scholarly and media literature on human rights in Africa.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Compare the universal, regional and constitutional regimes for the protection of fundamental rights.

Course Outline

Section 1: Understanding the Concept of Rights

Section 2: African Human Rights System

Section 3: Human Rights Violations and Abuses

Section 4: Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade; and 
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises); and
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone holding a Bachelor's degree or Licence (or an equivalent qualification) in law, the humanities, social sciences, theology, or a related field connected to human rights, or with significant personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu. 

Selective Bibliography

• Charles R. Beitz, The Idea of Human Rights, Oxford University Press, 2009.
• James Griffin, On Human Rights, Oxford University Press, 2008. 
• Micheline R. Ishay, The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era, University of California Press, 2004.
• Henry Shue, Basic Rights: Subsistence, Affluence, and U.S. Foreign Policy, Princeton University Press, 1996. 
• Henry J. Steiner et Philip Alston, International Human Rights in Context: Law, Politics, and Morals, Oxford University Press, 2000.