Human Rights in Africa

Paper Summary:

This paper asks if, in a world characterized by diversity, especially as seen in Africa, can there be such a thing as universal human rights as defined by the post-WWII Universal Human Rights Declaration, or are human rights culturally specific. The author points out that cultural relativism against the imposition of the universal human rights in Africa often holds the view that society and tradition are unchanging and monolithic; scholars adhering to this view consider the universal human rights theory as a form of Western "cultural imperialism". This paper relates that workers for women and minority rights in many African states rely greatly on the universal human rights theory to espouse their cause for liberation against societal constraints.

From the Paper:

"Rather than concentrate on the origins of the universal human rights, scholars supporting this theory are more engaged with the meaning of universal human rights in Africa. They assert that universal human right laws should take precedence over customary laws because "it provides a higher set of standard by which the various cultural traditions can be judged". Professor Ibhawoh, points to the ability of dominant groups and individuals to control the interpretation of cultural norms and use them to their advantage, while dominated groups are the once more receptive to different perception that are helpful to their quest for self improvement and justice."

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