Jun 8, 2009 | News
The ICJ has carefully followed the recent developments in the Swaziland Supreme Court.
In its judgment in the appeal case of National Constitutional Assembly v. Prime Minister and Others decided on 21 May 2009, Swaziland’s highest court ruled that the Tinkhundla-based electoral system – which excludes political parties from the electoral process – did not constitute a violation of freedom of association as guaranteed by article 25 of the Swaziland constitution.
Swaziland-Statement Regarding the Supreme Court’s Ruling-web story-2009 (full text, PDF)
Apr 28, 2009 | Advocacy, Non-legal submissions
The ICJ drew attention to the persistent violence and the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation mainly due to the repeated and large-scale armed conflicts in the country.
It urged the Council to call for urgent measures to establish the rule of law, curb impunity and ensure the protection of civilians and internally displaced persons and full enjoyment of human rights for the population.
DR Congo-UPR-non-legal submission-2009 (full text, PDF)
Apr 6, 2009 | Events
Initial widespread support for the US-lead ‘War on Terror’ in response to the 9/11 attacks has diminished markedly. What does this mean for Africa?
In fact, counter-terrorism today has a less-than-honourable reputation, conjuring images of extra-judicial renditions, unlawful and indefinite detention, and torture.
However recent developments indicate that change is coming to the way the world – and Africa – combats terrorism. President Obama has already ordered an end to several unlawful US-lead practices; in Europe and other regions courts are reminding governments about the importance of human rights and due process. Rather than falling primarily within the domain of spies and the military, criminal justices responses will become increasingly important.
Is Africa ready for this change? The ICJ and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) are organizing an evening reception to explore these questions and launch the recent report of the ICJ’s Eminent Jurists Panel on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights.
Africa-terrorism-news-2009 (full text, PDF)
