Socio-Economic Rights in Africa: An Evaluation of Strategies

Although African countries are parties to various treaties that recognise socio-economic rights, these species of rights remain largely perceived as non-justiciable. Even where such rights are made positive constitutional rights, little or no jurisprudence has developed therefrom. The fall-out has been the devaluation of socio-economic rights in Africa. This book makes a strong case for placing socio-economic rights squarely on the African human rights agenda. Apart from the fact that socio-economic rights are human rights in themselves, the author argues that civil and political rights are better protected if socio-economic rights are accorded equal importance within African legal systems. The author stresses the need for the systematic development of expansive strategies incorporating more sectors of the society, developing alternative understanding of law, or using a mix of judicial and other methods. The book emphasises the need for multi-dimensional approaches, anchored by the civil society, which would ensure that the development of human rights is linked to the reinforcement and implementation of existing norms.