For administrative enquiries please contact:

Ms Melissa Erasmus 
Student Administration

Tel:  +27 (0)12 420 5472
E-mail:  melissa.erasmus@up.ac.za

If you are interested in undertaking doctoral studies at the Centre for Human Rights please contact a potential supervisor to discuss your suggested topic. 

Information about supervisors in other departments and their fields of specialisation can be found in the Postgraduate Programmes brochure of the Faculty of Law which also sets out practical information about the programme and how to apply.

For administrative enquiries please contact:

Ms Melissa Erasmus 
Student Administration

Tel:  +27 (0)12 420 5472
E-mail:  melissa.erasmus@up.ac.za

LLD students who graduated in 2023

• Ikpo, David Nnana
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Using indigenous storytelling and African Commission soft law in Nigerian law classrooms to advance queer rights
  
  
• Denise Zambezi
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  The right of transgender persons to access healthcare in South Africa
  
  
• Ms Dorcas Basimanyane
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  Mobile technology and internet development in Africa: Legal and human rights challenges in South Africa and Uganda
  
  
• Ms Omotunde Enigbokan
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  South Africa's implementation of human rights law on the right to acquisition of nationality

LLD students who graduated in 2022

• Fenemigho Alero Itohan
  (supervisor: Prof Christof Heyns (deceased), Co-supervisor: Prof Stuart Maslen)
  The use of force in counter-terrorism policing in Africa under international law
  
  
• Geng, Joseph Geng Akech
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  Foreign influence and the legitimacy of constitution building in South Sudan
  
  
• Ahumuza, Dianah Attenyi
  (supervisor: Dr A Budoo, Co-supervisor: Prof Attiya Warris)
  Tax incentives and the realization of economic and social rights: The right to basic education in Uganda
  
  
• Okeowo, Adebayo Olayinka
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  Advancing accountability for human rights violations through citizen media: An African perspective
  
  
• Olutola, Bamisaye Olawaye
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule (retired))
  The right to political participation of the youth in terms of the African Youth Charter: A case study of Nigeria
  
  
• Udegbunam, Linda Uzoamaka
  (supervisor: Prof Killander)
  Improving access to medicines for persons with psychosocial disabilities in Nigeria in realization of their right to health: The role of the WHO-AIMS and WHO access to medicines frameworks
  
  
• Ilori, Tomiwa
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander, Co-supervisor: Prof Jay Aronson)
  A rights-respecting approach to preventing online harms, protecting online expression and ensuring effective platform governance in Nigeria and South Africa

LLD students who graduated in 2021

• Ako, Ernest 
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Towards the decriminalisation of consensual same-sex conduct in Ghana
  
  
• Ginamia, Melani
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansugule)
  The right to development in post-conflict societies: Lessons from the Acholi in Northern Uganda
  
  
• Kapapelo, Eduardo
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  The Role of State Institutions in Preventing Violent Conflict in Angola
  
  
• Loots, Josua
  (supervisor: Prof Daniel Bradlow)
  Infrastructure for development: The use human rights impact assessments in public-private partnerships
  
  
• Masamba, Magalie L
  (supervisor: Prof Daniel Bradlow)
  An African perspective on reforming sovereign debt restructuring of privately held debt
  
  
• Okoloise, Chairman
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  The role of the African human rights system in advancing corporate accountability in the extractive industries
  
  
• Chigudu, Rudo
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Ngwena)
  A phenomenological study of the gendered and sexualised politics of a lesbian identity in contemporary Zimbabwe
  
  
• Sogunro, Ayodele
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen, Co-supervisor:  Dr Ciara O’Connell (Trinity College))
  Advocacy, social control, and the criminalisation of same-sex relationships : the evolution and enforcement of ‘anti-gay laws’ in Nigeria

• Tresor, Mahindo Makunya
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Fombad)
  Legal traditions and constitutional interpretation of bill of rights in Africa: Comparative perspectives from the constitutional courts of Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa

• Holness, Willene
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Ngwena)
  Access to justice for mothers with intellectual disabilities in cases of child neglect at two Kwazulu-Natal children’s courts

LLD students who graduated in 2020

• Chitsove, Emma
  (supervisor: Prof Daniel Bradlow)
  Combatting corruption in international investment law: challenges and prospects
  
  
• Hofisi, Sharon
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander, Co-supervisor: Prof Bonolo Dinokopila)
  Towards transitional justice in Zimbabwe: the role of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
  
  
• Igbayiloye, Oluwatosin Busayo
  (supervisor: Prof Daniel Bradlow)
  A human-rights-based approach to mining of solid minerals in Nigeria
  
  
• Kariseb Johannes Donavan Kennedy
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander, Co-supervisor: Dr A Budoo)
  The role of the African Commission’s Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa in combating violence against women
  
  
• Nabaneh, Satang
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Ngwena, Co-supervisor: Prof Siri Gloppen)
  Power dynamics in the provision of legal abortion : a feminist perspective on nurses and conscientious objection in South Africa
  
  
• Ndambo, Dennis Mutua
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  The Use of International Human Rights Law by Superior National Courts : A Comparative Study of Kenya and South Africa
  
  
• Odo, Godwin Chinedu
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Ngwena)
  Promoting gender justice in Nigeria through constitutionalising the prevention of maternal death

LLD students who graduated in 2019

• Chofor Che, Christian Aime
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Fombad)
  An analysis of decentralisation under the 1996 Constitution Cameroon
  
  
• Nwebo, Osy Ezechukwunyere
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Fombad)
  The role of the Pan African Parliament in promoting constitutionalism and democratic governance in Africa : lessons from other supranational parliaments
  
  
• Ofuani, Anwuli Irene
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Ngwena)
  The viability of supported decision-making in protecting adolescent girls with intellectual disability from involuntary sterilisation in Nigeria

LLD students who graduated in 2018

• Agada, Akogwu
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Assessing the human rights implications of the Nigerian law dealing with sexual orientation
  
  
• Ayeni, Victor Oluwasina
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  State compliance with and influence of reparation orders by regional and sub-regional human rights tribunals in five African states
  
  
• Jjuuko, Adrian
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen, Co-Supervisor: Prof Joe Oloka-Onyango (Makerere))
  Beyond court victories: Using strategic litigation to stimulate social change in favour of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons in common law Africa
  
  
• Kamunyu, Mariam Wambui
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  The gender responsiveness of the African commission on human and peoples’ rights
  
  
• Kareithi, Moincah Wanjiru
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  A historical-legal analysis of woman-to-woman marriage in Kenya
  
  
• Karugonjo-Segawa, Roselyn Irene
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  The right to participation in development : a case study of Uganda
  
  
• Lukanda, Kapwadi Francky
  (supervisor: Prof Daniel Bradlow)
  Legal accountability of international financial institutions in financing development
  
  
• Ogendi, Paul Omondi
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander, Co-supervisor: Prof Attiya Waris)
  Pharmaceutical trade policies and access to medicines in Kenya
  
  
• Vohito ep Anyanwu, Sonia Esther
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Fombad)
  Constitutionalisation of the rights of political parties in Africa and its impact on constitutionalism : a comparative study of the car. Senegal and South Africa

LLD students who graduated in 2017

• Adeniyi, Olayinka Oluwakemi
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  Legal protection of the girl child against child marriage (Aure Yarinya) in Nigeria
  
  
• Chipasa, Mulenga
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  Foreign direct investment in Zambian mining sector : the need for environmental protection and human rights
  
  
• Imeira, Prince Pius
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  Developing a legal framework for state compensation of crime victims in Nigeria
  
  
• Lando, Victor Valery Okoth
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander, Co-supervisor: Prof Solomon Ebobrah)
  The domestic effect of the East African Community’s human rights practice
  
  
• Malila, Mumba
  (supervisor: Prof Christof Heyns, Co-supervisor: Prof  Benyam Mezmur)
  The place of individuals? Duties in international human rights law: perspectives from the African human rights system
  
  
• Nkrumah, Bight
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  Mobilising for the realisation of the right to food in South Africa
  
  
• Okurut, Emmanuel
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  Preventing human rights violations by law enforcement during counterterrorism operations in Kenya and Uganda
  
  
• Ozubide, Alabo
  (supervisor: Prof Christof  Heyns, Co-supervisor: Prof Hennie Stydom)
  Extraterritorial use of force against non-state actors and the transformation of the law of self-defence
  
  
• Shyllon, Ololade Olakitan
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  The contribution of legal frameworks on access to information to socio-economic progress in Africa: Case studies of Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda
  
  
• Umeh, Ngozi Chuma
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Ngwena)
  Realising access to inclusive education for the hearing-impaired learner in Nigerian primary schools

LLD students who graduated in 2016

• Abdulrauf, Lukman Adebisi
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Fombad, Co-supervisor: Prof Anneliese Roos)
  The legal protection of data privacy in Nigeria : lessons from Canada and South Africa
  
  
• Ambani, Solomon Osogo
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  The second wave of criminalising homosexuality in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda
  
  
• Budoo, Ashwanee
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander, Co-supervisor: Dr Attiya Waris)
  The role of gender budgeting in implementing the obligation to provide resources to realise women's human rights in Africa
  
  
• Ho Tu Nam, Nora Christabelle
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  The role of European Union in the legal protection of human rights defenders in Kenya and Uganda
  
  
• Maja, Innocent
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansugule)
  A human rights framework towards the protection of minority languages and linguistic minorities in Africa : case studies of South Africa and Zimbabwe
  
  
• Wekesa, Seth Muchuma
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Fombad, Co-supervisor: Prof Anton Kok)
  A constitutional approach to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Africa : a comparison of Kenya South Africa and Uganda
  
  

LLD students who graduated in 2015

• Achan, Patricia Okiria
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  Equality in treatment : towards a quest for the right to participation for the Batwa in Uganda
  
  
• Adeola, Romola
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Development-induced displacement in Africa: Striking a balance between the imperative of development and the rights of persons likely to be displaced
  
  
• Chengeta,Thompson
  (supervisor: Prof Christof Heyns)
  The challenges of increased autonomy in weapon systems : in search of an appropriate legal solution
  
  
• Gravett, Willem Hendrik
  (supervisor: Prof Christof Heyns)
  To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war : Jan Christian Smuts (1870 - 1950) and the genesis of international organisation and human rights
  
  
• Kabata, Faith Njoki
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander, Co-supervisor: Dr Godfrey Musila)
  Impact of international human rights monitoring mechanisms in Kenya
  
  
• Kameni, Enga Innocent
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen Co-supervisor: Prof Brook Baker)
  Implementation of trips public health flexibilities in the African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI) region: problems and prospects
  
  
• Lubaale, Emma Charlene
  (supervisor: Dr. Geert Stevens, Co-supervisor: Prof Koos Malan)
  Bridging the justice gap in the prosecution of acquaintance child sexual abuse: a case of South Africa and Uganda
  
  
• Manyatera, Gift
  (supervisor: Prof Charles Fombad)
  A critique of the superior courts judicial selection mechanisms in Africa : the case of Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe
  
  
• Nyathi, Mkhululi
  (supervisor: Prof Magnus Killander)
  Exploring shared governance as an alternative institutional model for the Southern African development community
  
  
• Onuora-Oguno, Azubike Chinwuba
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansugule)
  Realising the right to basic education in Nigeria
  
  
• Pfumorodze, Jimcal
  (supervisor: Prof Daniel Bradlow)
  Rebalancing foreign investor and host state interests under the new generation of South Africa Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs)

LLD students who graduated in 2014

• Abdalla, Amir Kamaledin Ahmed
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  Strengthening the right to a fair trial in Sudan: A Human Rights perspective
  
  
• Beredugo, Ayebaesin Jacob
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen, Co-supervisor: Dr. Magnus Killander)
  The role and effectiveness of National Human Rights Commissions in advancing domestic implementation of socio-economic rights in Commonwealth Africa
  
  
• Jegede, Ademola Oluborode
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  Human rights implications of the climate change regulatory framework on indigenous peoples’ lands in Africa
  
  
• Kabumba, Busingye
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Soft Law and legitimacy in International Law: A case study of the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health
  
  
• Miamingi, Remember Philp Danie
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Constructing a conception of Childhood in Africa
  
  
• Possi, Ally
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Striking a balance between community norms and human rights : the continuing struggle of the East African Court of Justice

LLD students who graduated in 2013

• Adjolohoun, Horace
  (supervisor: Prof Erika De Wet, Co-supervisor: Dr Magnus Killander)
  Giving effect to the human rights jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States: Compliance and Influence
  
  
• Nsibirwa, Martin
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  The obligation of African states to realise women's rights to participate in politics and decision making in Africa
  
  
• Ozoemena, Rita
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  The Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa: An instrument for advancing gender justice
  
  
• Dinokopila, Bonolo Ramadi
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  The role of the Pan-African parliament in the promotion of human rights in Africa
  
  

LLD students who graduated in 2012

• Abebe, Adem Kassie
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen; co-supervisor: Dr Magnus Killander)
  The role of human rights litigation in the realisation of human rights in Africa: The case of Ethiopia from a comparative African perspective
  
  
• Acirokop, Prudence
  (supervisor: Dr Magnus Killander)
  Accountability for mass atrocities – The LRA conflict in Uganda
  
  
• Oluyelu, (Soyeju) Olufemi Olugbemiga
  (supervisor: Prof Danny Bradlow)
  Creative financing for infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa: Its implications for foreign investment inflow, economic growth and development

LLD students who graduated in 2011

• Djoyou Kamga, Serges Alain
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  Human rights in Africa: Prospects for the realisation of the right to development under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development
  
  
• Murungu,  Chacha Bhoke
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  The head of state immunity from prosecution for international crimes: Law and practice in Africa
  
  
• Rukare, Donald
  (supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule, Co-supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  The role of development assistance in the protection and promotion of human rights in Uganda

LLD students who graduated in 2010

• Kaguongo, Waruguru
  (supervisor: Prof Christof Heyns)
  The realisation of economic and social rights in Africa with special reference to national budgets
  
  
• Lim, Hye-Young
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Legally recognising child-headed households through a rights-based approach : the case of South Africa
  
  
• Mutangi, Tarisai
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  A critical examination of compliance with judgments of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Prospects and challenges
  
  
• Nkhata, Mwiza
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen, Co-supervisor: Prof Karin Van Marle)
  Constitutionalism and good governance in Africa: (Re) Discovering the relevance and viability of social trust-based governance in Malawi

LLD students who graduated in 2009

• Killander, Magnus
  (supervisor: Prof Christof Heyns)
  The role of the African Peer Review Mechanism
  
  
• Ally, Dane
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Constitutional exclusion under section 35(5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
  
  
• Nassali, Maria
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  NGOs, governance and human rights in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa: Conceptual and strategic questions
  
  
• Ebobrah, Solomon
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Legitimacy and feasibility of human rights realisation through regional economic communities in Africa: The case of the Economic Community of West African States

LLD students who graduated in 2008

• Wachira, George Makundi
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen, Co-supervisor:  Prof Theunis Roux)
  Vindicating indigenous peoples' land rights in Kenya
  
  

LLD students who graduated in 2007

• Nienaber, Annelize Gertruida
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen, Co-supervisor:  Prof PA Carstens)
  Ethics and human rights in HIV-related clinical trials in Africa with specific reference to informed consent in preventive HIV vaccine efficacy trials in South Africa
  
  
• Kok, Johann Anton
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  A socio-legal analysis of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act4 of 2000
  

LLD students who graduated in 2005

• Chenwi, Lillian Manka
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen, Co-supervisor: Prof Michelo Hansungule)
  Towards the abolition of the death penalty in Africa: A Human Rights perspective

LLD students who graduated in 2004

• Louw, Lirettte
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  An analysis of state compliance with the recommendations of the African commission on human and peoples’ rights
  
  
• Baimu, Evarist Felician
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  The linkage between human rights and trade, and parallel international law obligations: the GATS, the ICESCR and health services in Tanzania and South Africa
  

LLD students who graduated in 2002

• Kindiki, Kithure
  (supervisor: Prof Frans Viljoen)
  Humanitarian intervention in Africa: the role of intergovernmental organisations

Centre calls on Swaziland to observe fair trial rights of prominent Swazi Human Rights Lawyer - Mr Thulani Rudolf Maseko
The Centre for Human Rights has learned with alarm of the arrest and continued detention of a prominent Swazi human rights lawyer and graduate of the Centre’s Master’s programme in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa — Mr Thulani Rudolf Maseko — by the Royal Swaziland Police Service on Tuesday 17 March 2014. He was arrested together with Mr Bheki Makhubu, editor of the New Nation magazine.

Download Full Press Release 21 March 2014

Alumnus Awarded Harold Luntz Best PhD Thesis PrizeOn 9 December 2011, the Alumni Association welcomes 30 new members who will be awarded the LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa.

On 27 March 2012, Takele Soboka Bulto (Ethiopia, 2003) won the Harold Luntz Graduate Research Thesis Prize for 2011 for his PhD thesis submitted last year at the Melbourn Law School, Australia.

Takele says he is proud to say that he owes so much to the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, and its ever supportive Professors, for what he has achieved since 2003.

Dr Takele Soboka Bulto is currently Assistant Professor of International Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra. 

Class of 2011 Graduates

On 9 December 2011, the Alumni Association welcomes 30 new members who will be awarded the LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa.

On 11 July 2011, nineteen alumni attended a meeting during which they discussed strategies to strengthen the alumni network. Implementation of the African Charter research project was discussed in the same meeting. Alumni discussed proposals including co-authoring articles, joint publication, sharing articles and jurisprudence, launching list serves on thematic groups’ basis.

Righting Wrongs: Alumni Newsletter

Issues of the Alumni Newsletter provide more comprehensive reports on various engagements of alumni in the field.

Righting Wrongs: Alumni Newsletter