Human Rights
Human rights are fundamental freedoms and protections inherent to all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion or other status. They encompass civil and political rights such as freedom of expression, assembly and the right to a fair trial, as well as economic, social and cultural rights including access to education, healthcare and adequate living standards. The concept is enshrined in international law through instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, and binding treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Human rights monitoring and advocacy have become central to international relations, development policy and corporate governance, with governments, multilateral institutions and civil-society organisations assessing compliance and pressing for reforms. In the African context, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights provides a regional framework, while bodies such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch document abuses and campaign for accountability. Violations range from arbitrary detention, torture and extrajudicial killings to restrictions on media freedom, suppression of political opposition and discrimination against minorities. Business coverage of human rights often focuses on governance standards, investor risk, sanctions regimes and the reputational and operational implications of operating in jurisdictions with poor records. The term also appears in environmental, social and governance (ESG) assessments, supply-chain due diligence and international trade negotiations. Respect for human rights is increasingly seen as integral to sustainable development, political stability and long-term economic prosperity.
Human Rights Updates
Ending gender-based violence: a foundation for inclusive societies
23rd October 2026 This briefing paper is a call to resource gender equality agendas as a crucial component of, and a pathway to creating, inclusive societies. By... →
Navi Pillay’s Nobel peace prize is a vote of confidence in a global legal order under fire
12th October 2026 The awarding of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to distinguished South African jurist and international judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay is about more... →
Nobel Peace Prize honours Navi Pillay for lifelong commitment to human rights, justice and accountability
12th October 2026 Reacting to the news that South African international jurist and human rights defender Navi Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize,... →
Ramaphosa congratulates Navi Pillay on ‘profound tribute’ of Nobel Prize win
9th October 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday extended his congratulations to judge Navanethem "Navi" Pillay, who won the Nobel Peace Prize "for her efforts... →
Where next for feminist foreign policy on regional multilateralism and human rights?
9th October 2026 As the liberal order faces increasing challenges, and geo-political centres of power shift, regional human rights mechanisms are essential for... →
Military coups promise change – 4 ways they can leave African countries worse off
6th October 2026 A military coup d’état is the ouster of an elected president or head of state, usually through the use or threat of force. Putschists (those who... →
Mozambique’s army is losing a crucial counter-insurgency battle
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 5th October 2026 Foreign training has strengthened the army, but abuses against civilians undermine the community support needed to defeat insurgents. When... →
Ecowas Court and women’s rights in west Africa: what’s working – and what isn’t
2nd October 2026 The Ecowas Court is a west African regional body located in Abuja, Nigeria, serving the now 12-nation Economic Community of West African States... →
Soldiers and mercenaries killed at least 34 civilians in Mali, Amnesty report says
By: Reuters 29th September 2026 At least 34 civilians were killed in seven incidents during military joint operations in Mali by the army and Russia's Wagner mercenary group... →
‘Wantam!’, ‘Tutam!’ political sloganeering divides Kenya’s electorate
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 28th September 2026 Youth frustration fuels calls to prevent Ruto from winning a second term, even as opposition splits strengthen his prospects for 2027. As next... →
