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Begin New Search Topic International Law Content Type Journal Article

391. The Constitutional Protection of Socio-Economic Rights in Selected African Countries: A Comparative Evaluation

Author:
John Cantius Mubangizi
Publication Date:
03-2006
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
African Journal of Legal Studies
Institution:
The Africa Law Institute
Abstract:
This article evaluates the extent to which a few selected African countries have incorporated socio-economic rights in their constitutions, the mechanisms through which such rights are realised, the challenges such realisation entails and the approach taken by the courts and other human rights institutions in those countries towards the realisation and enforcement of those rights. The survey examines South Africa, Namibia, Uganda and Ghana. Apart from the logical geographical spread, all these countries enacted their present constitutions around the same time (1990 to 1996) in an attempt to transform themselves into democratic societies. In a sense, these countries can be seen as transitional societies, emerging as they have done, from long periods of apartheid and foreign domination or autocratic dictatorships. The latter is true for Uganda and Ghana while the former refers to South Africa and Namibia. The article concludes that South Africa has not only made the most advanced constitutional provision for socio-economic rights, it has also taken the lead in the judicial enforcement of such rights, an experience from which the other countries in the survey can learn.
Topic:
Development, Government, and International Law
Political Geography:
Africa

392. Genomics, Insurance and Human Rights: Is there a Place for Regulatory Frameworks in Africa?

Author:
Vincent O. Nmehielle
Publication Date:
03-2006
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
African Journal of Legal Studies
Institution:
The Africa Law Institute
Abstract:
This article examines the human rights dimension of genetic discrimination in Africa, exploring the place of regulatory frameworks while taking into account the disadvantaged position of the average African. This is in response to the tendency of insurance companies toward making health insurance decisions on the basis of individual genetic information, which could result in genetic discrimination or health insurance discrimination based on a person’s genetic profile. The author considers such questions as the intersection between human rights (right to life, health, privacy, human dignity and against genetic discrimination) in relation to the insurance industry, as well as the obligations of state and non-state actors to promote, respect, and protect the enjoyment of these rights. The article argues that African nations should not stand aloof in trying to balance the competing interests (scientific, economic and social) presented by the use of genetic information in the health care context and that ultimately it is the responsibility of states to develop domestic policies to protect their most vulnerable citizens and to prevent entrenched private discrimination based on an individual’s genes.
Topic:
Development, Government, Human Rights, and International Law
Political Geography:
Africa

393. Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the Special Court for Sierra Leone

Publication Date:
03-2006
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
African Journal of Legal Studies
Institution:
The Africa Law Institute
Abstract:
These Rules of Procedure and Evidence as first amended on 7 March 2003, are applicable pursuant to Article 14 of the Statute of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and entered into force on 12 April 2002.
Topic:
Development, Government, and International Law
Political Geography:
Africa

394. Recoupement des droits de l\'Homme et du droit international humanitaire dans les situations de crises et de conflits

Author:
Jonathan Benthall
Publication Date:
12-2005
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Cultures & Conflits
Institution:
Cultures & Conflits
Abstract:
Les mécanismes de la mise en oeuvre du droit international humanitaire sont beaucoup moins développés que ceux du droit de l\'Homme. Néanmoins, il existe un certain chevauchement entre ces deux corps du droit. L\'article décrit ce chevauchement et analyse les conséquences du point de vue légal concernant leur mise en oeuvre. L\'application cumulative des droits de l\'Homme et du droit international humanitaire pose inévitablement la question de la relation qu\'ils entretiennent. La Cour internationale de justice a répondu à cette question en reconnaissant la primauté du droit international humanitaire vis-à-vis des droits de l\'Homme dans les conflits armés, caractérisant ainsi le premier comme lex specialis. L\'examination de décisions d\'institutions des droits de l\'Homme, comme la Commission et la Cour inter-américaine des droits de l\'Homme et de la Cour européenne des droits de l\'Homme montre une tendance à privilégier le droit international humanitaire. Bien que la pratique de ces institutions des droits de l\'Homme soit limitée, elle ouvre des possibilités supplémentaires aux moyens internationaux limités pour faire respecter le droit international humanitaire par les parties aux conflits armés. Ceci démontre la convergence pratique et utile entre les droits de l\'Homme et le droit international humanitaire.
Topic:
Human Rights, International Law, and International Organization

395. Resolution of The International Court of Juctice Concerning the Wall Constructed by Israel

Author:
Erdem Denk
Publication Date:
09-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Institution:
Uluslararasi Iliskiler
Abstract:
This study the advisory opinion given by the ICJ regarding the wall being constructed by Israel in the occupied territories. The Court has found that the wall, which is, according to Israel, being constructed due to security consideraions regard,ng terrorist attacks of various Palestinian gropus, is contarry to various principles and rules of international law. The basic justification of the decision is the fact that the wall is being constructed on areas which have the status of "occupied territories". The Court, which wasted the opportunity to assess the relationship between law and the struggle against terrorism, has also failed to deal sufficiently with the merits of the case althought it dwelled on every objection of Israel regarding procedural matters. Although it is a quite apt judgement,the rather general and abstract conclıisons regarding the mertis of the case gave those who criticised the judgement some space to base thier arguments. The Court should have given much more importance to its legal reasonnig regarding concrete breaches of Israel.
Topic:
International Law
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, and Palestine

396. Too Good to be Legal? Network Centric Warfare and International Law

Author:
Erik Dahl
Publication Date:
05-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Public and International Affairs (JPIA)
Institution:
School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), Princeton University
Abstract:
America’s military today faces new challenges that appear resistant to conventional solutions. The concept known as Network Centric Warfare (NCW) promises to use speed, precision, and information technology to win conflicts more quickly with minimal force. But many of the advantages that look beguiling to a commander can create problems for a military that focuses too much on speed and effects, at the expense of deliberation and law. This article argues that both the U.S. military and the American public will lose if new tools and technologies make war seem too easy. It calls for a reassessment of NCW in light of international law and offers recommendations to help guide that effort.
Topic:
International Law, Science and Technology, War, and Military
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

397. Corporate Crime in a Globalized Economy: An Examination of the Corporate Legal Conundrum and Positive Prospects for Peace

Author:
Paul Richardson
Publication Date:
05-2004
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Public and International Affairs (JPIA)
Institution:
School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), Princeton University
Abstract:
“This is it. They are going to arrest us all and execute us. All for Shell.” Ken Saro-Wiwa, a leader of the Nigerian Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSAP), made this statement two weeks before his arrest in May 1994. Jailed for exposing the company’s role in directing and arming the Nigerian military, Saro-Wiwa’s efforts paved the way for similar campaigns throughout the world, in places as diverse as India, China, Colombia, Chad and Sudan. As the number of such cases has increased over the past decade, so too has the public’s scrutiny. What are the legal and ethical obligations of corporations operating in a conflict zone? How effective is existing international law in ensuring that companies are held accountable for extraterritorial human rights violations? Taking into account existing efforts to address corporate accountability on a global scale, this paper concludes that neither national legislation nor voluntary corporate codes of conduct provide an adequate means to ensure the protection of human rights. Instead, an international system must be created—one with sufficient oversight and monitoring powers to ensure that corporations adopt conflict-sensitive policies that contribute to peace and security
Topic:
Crime, Globalization, International Law, Economy, Peace, and Corporations
Political Geography:
Global Focus