Improving implementation of human rights in Africa
Bristol’s Human Rights Implementation Centre (HRIC), supported by ESRC funding, carried out a programme of research that provided new evidence on what affects the implementation of human rights law. This has helped to bring about improvements to policies and practices in Africa to support the implementation of human rights law.
Impact: At-a-glance
- Improved visibility of the decisions being made and the progress of the implementation of those decisions
- Closer monitoring of judgements, decisions and recommendations
- Stronger Government strategies on human rights law compliance
- More robust working practices for drafting and filing human rights cases
Improving communication and visibility of decisions
HRIC research found that specific processes need to be triggered if the decisions of human rights bodies are to be implemented. It may not always be a lack of willingness but rather a lack of clear processes for implementation or defined lines of responsibility. Other factors, such as the visibility of a given decision, were also found to be crucial in how State authorities respond, together with a consistent flow of communication between the international and national stakeholders. Consequently, the research demonstrated the need for a more coordinated approach and for practical tools to respond to decisions.
Closer monitoring of judgements, decisions and recommendations
The visibility, legitimacy and credibility of the supranational bodies and the lack of clarity surrounding their own role were also found to be crucial factors in the implementation of human rights decisions. While treaty bodies may have a number of procedures in place to monitor implementation of their own decisions, HRIC research found that some, such as holding hearings, may have particular impact, but many are not used fully. The role of the victims themselves can also be influential and the telling of real stories can make a difference in implementation of decisions.
HRIC’s research has resulted in far-reaching reforms, not only on the strategic direction of treaty bodies’ work but also on their practical operations.
The research findings also led Rachel Murray to develop a strategy for civil society organisations outlining practical ways to facilitate the implementation of human rights. Murray was the Vice Chair on the Board of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) and the Institute used this strategy to craft the reparations in a case where people were massacred in Kilwa.
Further information
The Human Rights Implementation Centre (HRIC) was established in 2009, within the Law School of the University of Bristol, to enhance the implementation of human rights worldwide through research, education and discussion. The research team carry out a number of projects working with and providing advice to a wide range of bodies at the domestic, regional and international levels to strengthen implementation.
The HRIC has a well-established record of work with the Africa human rights system, particularly the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (African Commission) and the African Court on Human and People’s Rights (African Court). It obtained observer status with the African Commission in April 2016. Working in collaboration with these institutions, as well as governments, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and civil society organisations, the HRIC aims to contribute through it’s research to a better understanding of the practices and procedures of the human rights system in Africa.
Publications
- Murray R, Long D. (2015) Implementation of the Findings of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
- Evans MD. (2020) The UN and Human Rights. Reform through Review, in Khaliq U, The Achievements of International Law
- Murray R, Sandoval C, Leach P, Viljoen F. Implementation and compliance with human rights law: An exploration of the interplay between the international, regional and national levels
- Sandoval C, Leach P, Murray R. (2020) Monitoring, Cajoling and Promoting Dialogue – What Role for Supranational Human Rights Bodies in the Implementation of Individual Decisions?
- Murray R, de Vos C. (2020) Behind the State: Domestic Mechanisms and Procedures for the Implementation of Human Rights Treaty Body and Decisions
- Long D. (2020) Compliance with international human rights decisions in Cameroon: mechanisms in place but a lack of transparency
- Murray R. (2020) Implementing Human Rights Decisions
- Murray R. Providing reparation for human rights cases: A practical guide for African States
- Murray R, Long D. (2022) Research Handbook on Implementation of Human Rights in Practice