Working for Justice

African Rights

African Rights was founded in the belief that human rights are a universal entitlement, but in the recognition that securing them depends upon comprehensive local action. Solutions must be sought at the political, social and economic level and they must be sought among Africans. The organisation was established in 1992, when the US military intervention in Somalia highlighted the need for an independent critical voice. Too often international efforts to resolve African problems have been ill-conceived or poorly co-ordinated and have stood outside scrutiny. African Rights works for transparency and accountability of international institutions, as well as encouraging governmental, military and civilian actors to address the needs of their people.

African Rights has carried out research on some of the gravest human rights abuses in Africa's recent past, including the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and the steady slaughter of the Nuba people of Sudan. It concentrates upon abuses suffered by communities rather than individuals and takes its priorities from the people it is trying to help. In some cases it has provided practical assistance to help those communities to strengthen their own support systems.

African Rights does not claim to be "neutral" : we advocate on behalf of those suffering injustice and oppression. This means not only documenting abuses, but seeking to understand them in historical and political context and to make a direct contribution to the search for solutions. Over time, the need for justice has become a guiding principle in our work. We have exposed accusations against individuals and institutions and have fought to ensure that suspects are brought before the courts. We have also produced detailed critiques of judicial systems in Africa.\par \tab As a small organisation with limited resources, African Rights works only in those countries and situations where its particular approach can be of use - sometimes because we feel the international response has been inadequate. With a focus firmly on the interests of the ordinary people whose lives have been damaged by violence, at African Rights we are not afraid of controversy.

Our full website can now be viewed at www.unimondo.org/AfricanRights/