Promoting human rights and constitutional literacy in Africa

The Centre for Human Rights (Centre) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) under the aegis of the Rule of Law Program for Sub Saharan Africa developed simple-easy-reference booklets (for non-lawyers) that summarise the Bill of Rights as espoused in the constitutions of selected “Anglophone African” countries which are: Kenya, Malawi and Zambia.The broad aim is to promote human rights and constitutional literacy in Africa.

The recognition, protection, fulfilment and enjoyment of fundamental rights and liberties in Africa remain relatively low despite the elaborate and comprehensive Bill of Rights in most constitutions. This has inevitably led to gross violation of human rights being visited on many ordinary citizens, often without commensurate accountability mechanisms and demand for the same.

Raising awareness among the citizens is one of the most effective ways of enhancing accountability and participation in governance affairs but also, the best defence against gross human rights violations. A knowledgeable and empowered citizen is better placed to demand, question and seek appropriate remedies against rogue regimes and authorities and against any perpetrators. The recognition, protection and promotion of human rights is no longer a contemplative subject but a crucial ingredient in governance, sustainable development and stable societies.

The objectives of the booklets:

to promote human rights and constitutional literacy among citizens by developing and widely disseminating accessible information demystifying the Bill of Rights of African citizens;
to empower the citizens to effectively participate in governance issues; and
to empower the citizens to effectively protect their own human rights while fulfilling their obligations as provided for by their respective constitutions.