Human Rights

This is an interdisciplinary platform for exciting insights, opinions, reviews, and critical analyses of human rights issues in Africa. A cross-section of contributors shares and cover human rights issues related to policy, advocacy, practice, and awareness. The insights shared unveil a wide spectrum where human rights principles and theories interface with lived realities of people and communities in Africa.

Besides the blog contributions, the africanlegalstudies.blog and the Chair of African Legal Studies at the University of Bayreuth are constantly developing new initiatives to exchange and engage with scholars and practitioners. These include research projects such as “Intractable Human Rights Issues” or debate series (e.g. “Everyone’s human rights”).

A Call for Constitutional Compliance: Children’s Voices Matter

Gift Gawanani MaulukaJun 27, 20258 min read
A Call for Constitutional Compliance: Children’s Voices Matter

“When our ideas seem to matter in the decision-making processes, we feel honoured and valued. It shows that the adults are listening and are willing…

The Role of NGOs in Advocating for Children’s Rights in Education

Gift Gawanani MaulukaJun 20, 20257 min read
The Role of NGOs in Advocating for Children’s Rights in Education

It is undeniable that Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a significant role in promoting access to education for children in Malawi. Almost always, these NGOs operate…

The Impacts of User Fees on Education Accessibility

Gift Gawanani MaulukaJun 13, 20258 min read
The Impacts of User Fees on Education Accessibility

The formal education system in Malawi follows an 8–4–4 structure for primary, secondary and tertiary education levels, respectively. The broader Early Childhood Development (ECD) encompasses…

Roadmaps and Goals Beyond Today: Reflections on Ending Child Labour

Gift Gawanani MaulukaJun 12, 20256 min read
Roadmaps and Goals Beyond Today: Reflections on Ending Child Labour

There is no doubt that the international, regional, and domestic communities agree that child labour is a problem that needs to be addressed. This commitment…

Understanding the Right to Education in Malawi

Gift Gawanani MaulukaJun 6, 20258 min read
Understanding the Right to Education in Malawi

In Malawi, and most probably in most African countries, it is a common sight to meet and see children going to school in the morning.…

Women’s Land Rights in Sierra Leone: Examining the 2022 Customary Land Act through the Lens of International Law and Legal Pluralism

Bankolay Theodore TurayMay 30, 20257 min read
Women’s Land Rights in Sierra Leone: Examining the 2022 Customary Land Act through the Lens of International Law and Legal Pluralism

Introduction Despite legal recognition of women’s rights in Sierra Leone, they faced significant barriers to land ownership. Discriminatory laws, social norms, and customs hinder their…